We are the generation who grew up with technology, from the time we were born. It has offered us the ability to have more accurate education, convenience and the ability to stay in contact with family and friends constantly.

At what cost though? I know, I sound extremely hypocritical; I'm writing this article for an ONLINE journal. I've used the internet to access research articles instead of using a library, and social media is my distraction for boredom. Sincerely though, has technology been that great for our generation?

There have been numerous studies that have had both pros and cons as outcomes for the effect of technology with our generation. From an educational and professional standpoint, of course. It's been a great tool to use for networking, keeping in contact via email, etc. However, socially, I would argue that it has not been beneficial. Yeah, I'm going to sound like a 'fuddy duddy', and I'll be honest a hypocrite. Everything I'm about to say, I've done it all.

I've recently noticed that socializing isn't something that happens anymore. At least not in person. I live in a rural location where there isn't really a culture for young adults in their twenties. Besides the on campus activities, which in reality are very much targeted towards on-campus freshmen and sophomores. In order to socialize as a twenty-something, the bar scene is where you do it. I'm just not as interested in that anymore. I'd like to have a culture where there is an underground music scene, open mic nights, hip coffee places with slam poetry. Basically, I would love this area to offer more to my age group than alcohol.

But then I wonder if it did, how effective would it be at forcing me to meet new people? It seems as though many in my age group will go to such social environments and be caught on their phones; checking social media, texting someone, possibly even the friend sitting to the right of them. Many people record and post videos of a musician performing, something I've done. I stopped though, I realized that a recorded copy I will NOT enjoy as much as experiencing it in the moment. That smart phone has removed you from the present to the future almost immediately.

Again, all of these things I've done. I'm pleading guilty to an addiction to social media, texting my friends when I feel uncomfortable in a social situation, etc. It even seems that I feel uncomfortable when someone new tries to make contact with me. The 'Stranger Danger' motto from when I was in kindergarten comes to the forefront of my brain, and the fight or flight response is real! But, wait a second. Before all of this instantaneous communication, this is how people met.

I just binged on some 80's John Hughes cinematography (yeah, in my mind, the 'Brat Pack' is some serious artistry that I can relate to). In Sixteen Candles the dance scene is awkward, but people still made an effort to talk to each other. The Geek would not have spoken to the most popular guy in school, Molly Ringwald would not have sold the rights to her underpants, and Jake Ryan would not have shown up to the wedding to romantically celebrate her forgotten birthday with her! Hollywood romanticism aside, I have to say, this sort of socialization does not happen. If there was a guy who continued to hit on me, from bus to school dance and everywhere in between, I would have been in the principle's office.

So the new normal is to constantly looking at your phone. Meeting people on social media. Using Tinder, Bumble, and Clover apps to find people to date. Recording both significant and insignificant moments in your life by capturing it with Snapchat. When does it stop? When do you put down the phone, exit the safety bubble you've placed yourself in and say hello to a new person? In some cases, when do you put down the gaming system and leave your house to even enter a social situation in the first place?

There really isn't judgement here. Some people really are introverted. That's a completely normal personality trait, however I think this personality trait has become more learned than it has come naturally, as it seems to have been before. As someone who is naturally social, it is difficult for me to have an issue meeting people my own age. Maybe it's the area's culture that I'm in. Maybe it's the generation I was born into. I do think that there is an aspect of human nature that has been lost among our generation, for many different reasons. I just think that technology has been a huge influence on our ability to practice and maintain social skills.