Dear Sherry Turgle Analysis

Dear Sherry Turkle, While reading Alone Together I was able to recall many of my childhood experiences. Every single childhood memory I have had has something in common with the rest of my memories. I remember pleasant things; however, I always remember the gadgets I owned and used at that time. Growing up and currently there is always some type of technological gadget I carry with me everywhere I go and go crazy if it is misplaced Alone Together made me realize that technology controls me, not only do I depend on it but I have let it become an important factor in my life. Dr. Turkle, your book provides great examples to explain how people allow technology to shape them. Throughout your book, you constantly make us think

I agree with you, Dr. Turkle, I think many people now use technology not only as a tool but also as a getaway. I remember growing up and owning a Gameboy Color, which later became an addiction, I loved playing on my Gameboy and would constantly fight with my brother in order to play. As time passed I became bored and got a new gadget. I remember, I was in the seventh grade and it was my birthday. When I got home there was a Tamagotchi waiting for me. At that time Tamagotchis were very popular and I felt excited, but also I felt like I belonged to the “Tamagotchi community”. Once I began using my Tamagotchi I became an addict. I would go to school and take my pet with me. During class I would take my Tamagotchi out and nurture it: I would feed it, give it treats, take it for a walk, and take it to the doctor. All of a sudden, I became a mother to an electronic baby/pet. I can relate to the children in your book who own a Tamagotchi because I know what it is like to own a virtual pet and at the same time create a connection. You mention that “in the presence of a needy Tamagotchi, children become responsible parents: demands translate into care and care into the feeling of caring” (32). With my Tamagotchi pet I felt the same way, I knew that it was just a virtual pet, yet I did everything possible to keep it healthy, even if that meant focusing more on my Tamagotchi than on

I also think that if technology is used properly it can be of great benefit. With technology it is easier to communicate with those who live in other states or countries, also we are human beings who “like being able to reach each other almost instantaneously” (280). Technology allows us to do many things faster, yet technology can also make us more dependent. If we are constantly using technology to solve all of our problems, then we limit ourselves and become dependent human beings. New technology is being created on a daily basis, and sometimes human beings crave the need to own the latest gadgets, even if they do not need them. We are a society that functions with technology; we use technology for everything and sometimes forget how to live without it. Alone Together is a perfect example of what one day could happen. If we as human beings continue to let technology into our lives without moderation, we may one day be “alone” even though there are billions of people around