Technology Improves Social Relationships, Study Says

A new study claims that the Internet and mobile technology actually improves the average individual's social relationships, instead of hampering them as commonly conceived. This is a surprising find, particularly because it's easy to think a kid who spends hours on a PC or fiddling with a mobile phone doesn't have a social life.

The study "Social Isolation and New Technology" was released last week by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. It seems that if you have at least a few friends, and maybe if you stay in touch with your family more than other people, it's likely because of e-mail, Facebook, and mobile technology.

Of course, the news should be taken with a grain of salt -- the findings are likely to be challenged by new studies in the near future. After all, it was only a few months ago when another study found that students who regularly use Facebook and play video games tend to get lower grades than students who spend comparatively more time studying.

If there's anything these studies show, I believe it's actually the limitations of technology. While certain technologies may influence your personality and social responsibilities, it won't control you completely unless you let it. These findings should only underscore the importance of developing responsible individuals through the Internet.

It may be wishful thinking for some. But now that you know how technology doesn't really have a hold over your performance and relationships, can you really sit on your hands and do nothing?