News

Despite tech innovations, more folks are feeling isolated

Technology is an integral part of life: it’s more than just convenience. Despite having everything at your fingertips, more and more people are feeling isolated.

A new report from PlayUSA on Americans and their technology use finds many are using their phones and self-checkouts to avoid human interaction. In fact, 3 in 4 say tech-based interactions have led to a decrease in social skills.

  • 45% get anxious talking on the phone
  • 60% use self-service kiosks to avoid talking to people
  • 74% prefer delivery drop-off to avoid talking to drivers

Some people will even inconvenience themselves to avoid talking to others: nearly 1 in 6 will wait for a self-service kiosk even if the human-run checkout had no line.

For others, the decrease in human interactions is welcomed as 61% of introverts say technology reduces their social anxiety and 62% are glad tech is replacing face-to-face interactions.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.