Sherry Turkle

Definition

Sherry Turkle is a prominent sociologist and psychologist known for her research on the relationship between technology and human interaction. She explores how digital devices and social media affect communication, empathy, and personal connections, especially in the context of artificial intelligence and religion. Her work raises critical questions about the implications of technology on our understanding of self and the sacred.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherry Turkle argues that technology can both enhance and diminish human relationships, depending on how it is used.
2. Her book 'Alone Together' discusses how people often feel more connected to their devices than to each other, leading to feelings of isolation.
3. Turkle emphasizes the importance of face-to-face communication and its role in developing empathy.
4. She raises concerns about how artificial intelligence may influence religious experiences and the nature of faith, as machines take on roles traditionally filled by human beings.
5. Through her research, Turkle highlights the need for a critical examination of our relationship with technology, urging a balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions.

Review Questions

• How does Sherry Turkle’s research contribute to our understanding of the impact of technology on human relationships?
  • Sherry Turkle's research sheds light on the complexities of how technology influences human relationships. She identifies that while digital tools can facilitate connection, they often lead to superficial interactions that lack depth. Her work emphasizes the importance of in-person communication for building genuine connections and fostering empathy, urging society to reflect on how much technology shapes our emotional lives.
• In what ways does Sherry Turkle connect artificial intelligence to notions of the sacred and religious experience?
  • Sherry Turkle explores how artificial intelligence challenges traditional concepts of the sacred by introducing non-human agents into spaces typically reserved for spiritual or religious experiences. She questions whether machines can fulfill roles that humans have historically occupied in religious practices. This examination raises deeper issues about authenticity in faith and whether relationships with AI can replicate or undermine genuine spiritual connections.
• Evaluate Sherry Turkle’s perspective on empathy in the age of digital communication and its implications for social interaction.
  • Sherry Turkle argues that digital communication may hinder the development of empathy by reducing opportunities for nuanced emotional exchanges. She suggests that while technology offers new forms of connection, it often lacks the depth required for truly understanding others. This perspective urges a reevaluation of how we engage with one another in a digital landscape, advocating for a balance between online interactions and the essential human experience of face-to-face communication, which nurtures empathy.

Related terms

Digital Anthropology: The study of how digital technologies influence human behavior, culture, and social relationships.

Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another, which can be impacted by the prevalence of digital communication.

Artificial Intelligence Ethics: The field that examines the moral implications and societal impacts of AI technologies on individuals and communities.