Sherry Turkle

Definition

Sherry Turkle is a prominent social scientist and author known for her work on the relationship between technology and human behavior. She explores how technology, particularly digital communication, affects our ability to connect, communicate, and empathize with others. Her insights emphasize the profound impact of technology on language use, as she examines how our interactions with devices can shape the way we express ourselves and engage in dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherry Turkle argues that while technology can facilitate communication, it often leads to superficial interactions rather than meaningful connections.
2. Her book 'Alone Together' discusses how people tend to feel more isolated even when connected digitally, impacting language and communication skills.
3. Turkle highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions for developing empathy, which is often compromised in online communications.
4. She advocates for a balanced approach to technology use, suggesting that people should engage in 'digital sabbaths' to reconnect with themselves and others.
5. Turkle's research indicates that children who grow up with devices may struggle with emotional expression and understanding social cues due to less practice in real-life interactions.

Review Questions

• How does Sherry Turkle's research highlight the relationship between digital communication and the quality of human interaction?
  • Sherry Turkle's research reveals that digital communication often leads to more superficial interactions, as individuals may prioritize quick responses over meaningful conversations. She emphasizes that while technology provides a means of connection, it can diminish our ability to engage deeply with one another. This shift in interaction quality affects how language is used, as online formats encourage brevity and may limit emotional expression.
• What are the implications of Sherry Turkle's findings on empathy in the context of increasing technology use?
  • Sherry Turkle's findings suggest that as reliance on technology for communication grows, individuals may find it harder to develop empathy. With more interactions happening through screens rather than face-to-face, important non-verbal cues are often lost. This change can lead to challenges in understanding others' feelings and experiences, ultimately impacting relationships and social dynamics.
• In what ways can we apply Sherry Turkle's insights to improve our communication skills in an increasingly digital world?
  • Applying Sherry Turkle's insights involves intentionally balancing technology use with real-life interactions. This means prioritizing face-to-face conversations to nurture genuine connections and practicing empathy by actively listening to others. Additionally, adopting practices like 'digital sabbaths' can help individuals disconnect from devices and reconnect with their surroundings and relationships, fostering better communication skills and emotional awareness.

Related terms

Digital Communication: The exchange of information through digital platforms such as social media, emails, and instant messaging.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which can be affected by technology-mediated interactions.

Presence: The sense of being physically or emotionally present with others in communication, which can be diminished through excessive reliance on technology.