The more developed technology becomes, the more it seems to take control of our lives. Observing recent trends of society and the common daily use of technology surrounding our lives, it is interesting to examine the impact that ever present technology has on our society. Most of the United States’ population is using some sort of technological device to communicate with others, instead of communicating personally and individually in face-to-face interactions. The impact of texting, tweeting, and gaming, can cause individuals to be even less socially skilled. What the combined effect has on the masses of our population who are becoming habitually dependent on electronic gadgets. Will this cause us to interact with each other only through technology rather than having live conversations, debates and personal interactions with each other? By using our devices, will we become even more socially awkward and lacking in skills when having to actually speak to others in person? As society becomes more influenced by technology, our social environment is affected through interactions that are altered by technology.

Recently, while dining with friends at The Cheesecake Factory, I observed the environment of people interacting with each other while they used their electronic devices. The restaurant had many different individuals from a range of different cultures and social classes. It was surprising to examine how many people were dependent on the use of their electronic devices. I could not even share a normal conversation with my friends without being interrupted by the notification sounds from one of their cell phones. In fact, I noticed some of my friends tweeting back and forth during dinner, despite the fact they were sitting right across from each other.

Looking at the various tables across the restaurant, I noticed a young couple was having dinner with their young daughter and son. They seemed well put together, had fashionable style, and looked comfortably well off. This couple was talking to each other while their two young toddlers were playing loud games on their own iPads. It was interesting to see that the parents purposely gave their kids an electronic interaction device instead of engaging them in social interaction with meaningful conversation.

Another couple didn't even acknowledge each other. The couple looked like they were on a date, but they were preoccupied and buried in their phones. Another family of four, consisting of a single mom and three children, was also socially disengaged. One of her kids was completely tuned out listening to music with headphones, and her other two kids were playing some sort of video game. Their mother seemed to be completely preoccupied on her phone, not even aware of what her three children were doing.

The restaurant had many different examples of families using their electronics. Tweeting, gaming, checking emails, texting– these were very common activities and generally seemed to be acceptable if not openly encouraged by this group of individuals at The Cheesecake Factory.

Individuals are also much less observant of their environment as a result of using electronic interaction devices rather than engaging in social interaction and meaningful and expressive conversation. Also, the sense of isolation towards others has developed because of the lack of contact with people in normal daily activities. An example would be walking around and missing out on what is going on around yourself, oblivious to the space because you are tuned into the electronic device you are using. What bad habits and effect is this havingon our society?

From the access of technology that is provided, so much can be learned. As society becomes more influenced by modern technology, our social environment is affected through interactions that are altered by electronic technology. Technology can rapidly change our lives in both positive and negative ways. We can hope that we will understand how electronic devices can affect today's society and how we can improve our communication, instead of letting it deteriorate.