Humans have an obvious need for interaction, communication, and contact with other humans. Without it, the wellbeing of the individual’s mental and emotional state can quickly deteriorate or be altered for the worse. In his short story “The Veldt,” Ray Bradbury explores the serious consequences generated by the lack of human connection and influence, which in this case is overridden by technological relationships. George Hadley soon notices that replacing human interaction with technology alters the minds of his children, ultimately leading to terrible consequences for both his kids and himself. When an individual doesn’t have the ability to interact with other humans, they often seek a non-human replacement. This replacement is almost always …show more content…
However, when there is no balance or distinction between real connections and inanimate connections, this is when negative effects can ensue. The situation presented in the story is an example of when this balance is swayed. Even though human connections are incapable of having a proper substitute, the nursery is capable of fostering relationships with the children. The children channel their emotions and imagination into the nursery, and out comes something of equivalent value. As the kids build their virtual environments, they further their relationship with the nursery and are happy. Despite this seemingly great relationship, technology is no replacement for other humans, and not acknowledging this can create disastrous outcomes. For example, the constant use of technology paired with the lack of real connections causes the children to develop a lack of empathy. This is evident when Peter states, “I wouldn’t want the nursery locked up, ever.” This shows how Peter is unable to comprehend his father’s concern for his wellbeing, and how he thinks of it as more of a threat to his happiness. More evidence of the unbalanced social life the kids both share is clear in the kids mannerisms. After a brief argument with his father, Peter says “Very well,” and strolls off to the nursery. His father didn’t win the debate, but Peter would just rather choose to bond with technology even more, instead of amending his current real life relationships. This techno-isolation practiced by both of the children causes further imbalance to their social structures, and no work is done by either party, parent or child, to implement more balance into their