Silence of the students:
Human-to-human communication is fading in a world where hashtags and whatever is trending on Twitter get more attention than people.
The culture at Utah State University has gone digital. Riding to school on the bus, walking around on campus, between classes — basically, it doesn’t matter where: people just don’t talk.
It’s great that people use Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram to keep in contact with friends. There’s even a place in this world for Tinder, Hot or Not and other similar apps used for meeting people. That being said, what happened to making new friends in person? The idea of making new friends and meeting new people, in person, has disappeared.
I’m not exempt from the criticism. On my way to school today I buried my face in group chats and didn’t interact with anyone until I arrived at my destination. I do this because it’s easy. The fact of the matter is it’s easier to pass the day in a comfortable world where we know everyone and don’t have to actually say anything than it is to communicate with those around us.
The real issue isn’t whether or not I’ve made friends; the issue behind this is social media taking away real life social skills. According to a Social Work Today article written in 2013, relationships on social media tend to be more numerous but less personally connected. While we are meeting more people than we used to, we aren’t meeting as many people face to face.
If you ask me, it’s a problem that people don’t communicate face-to-face anymore. I miss the interaction that I used to have in person, and I haven’t found Snapchat or Tinder nearly as satisfying. They take out the nonverbal communication that often says so much more than words.
For many, the lack of contact and interaction isn’t something bothersome, they actually prefer it. Students say they sometimes feel trapped and awkward when talking with others but don’t know how to get away without being mean. Instead, they take themselves out of the situation before it happens by putting in headphones or hopping on social media to escape.
As a student body we’re losing the very thing that makes us human — the ability and desire to interact with other people and express ourselves.
It may cause vulnerability and disturb comfort. Shame might ensue. It might feel wrong, but next time you’re on the bus or sitting somewhere in silence, reach out and make a new friend.
— Kalen Taylor is a sophomore double-majoring in journalism and Spanish. He’s all about football, basketball, tennis, hockey and anything to do with sports … except for baseball; that’s just not his thing. Watch for him living the dream on ESPN one day. Contact him at kalentaylorusu@yahoo.com or on Twitter @kalen_taylor.