In a TEDtalk video, Connected, but alone?, Sherry Turkle presents her take on how the age of technology is affecting human relationships, conversations in particular. Turkle claims that technology is being over used and it is taking over face-to-face communication between people, which is having a negative effect on human relationships. This is not to say that technology does not play a role in communication, for technology is an effective means of communication, rather Turkle supports the idea that face to face interaction needs to be conserved. Both technology and face to face interaction play an integral role in modern communication. The video of Turkle's presentation is attached below.
In her presentation, Turkle claims, "we expect more from technology and less from each other." This is because technology is becoming more appealing to us more than human interaction; what we want out of technology is to give us companionship without the burdens of friendship. Turkle claims that we turn to technology for the companionship that we desire because it is comfortable and we can control it. In the process of connecting with technology, we are effectively isolating ourselves as face-to-face interaction becomes more limited. A paradox is created as we turn to technology to feel connected as it does the exact opposite by isolating us further and further from other people. We must reclaim conversation by creating safe spaces where face-to-face interaction can develop and flourish, only then can we overcome the isolation we feel in the realm of technological 'connection'. According to Turkle, "its time to talk."