Prompt: Some people think that because of email, social media and telephones, communication among people is less personal now than it used to be. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Communication between people has never been faster or easier than it is now, thanks to the development of information technology and the Internet in particular. Some people, however, claim that despite these advancements, people’s connection is more superficial, and lacking genuine interaction. While I agree that this is true to some extent, I feel that the modern tools of email, mobiles and social media platforms create wider networks and greater intimacy. Ċ Certainly, it could be argued that more traditional methods of communicating had a more personal touch. Take the handwritten letter as an example. It used to be the case that to contact someone living abroad, we had to write out a letter or card by hand, buy a stamp and envelope, take it to the post office, and wait for weeks until it reached its destination. Upon arrival, it is easy to imagine that the recipient felt a much greater sense of connection than they would these days simply clicking on an email or opening a WhatsApp message. Similarly, speaking on the phone, as opposed to sending a text, could also be viewed as more personal interaction. I would argue, however, that such views of the past are clouded by nostalgia rather than truth. Ċ Modern forms of conversation, by contrast, create even stronger connections between people. Nowadays, when living abroad, we can maintain our relationships as if we were living under the same roof. Given that it is free to message and email, there is no need to keep interactions brief and irregular. In fact, friends and loved ones can be in almost constant contact, regardless of their geographic proximity. In addition to this physical ability to keep in touch, there is also the depth of intimacy that comes from sharing pictures and stories on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These tools enable us to have access to aspects of our loved ones’ lives that we never had before. We can share in celebrations, tragedies and triumphs, all of which strengthen our bonds and networks. Ċ In conclusion, communication has definitely changed dramatically in the last fifty years. Although some feel a sentimental yearning for the old days, I feel that modern devices and tools have enhanced the way we interact with each other.