Social consequences

Because society endorses constant multitasking, such as listening to music while exercising, physical social interaction is negatively affected. Already, youth commonly text and listen to music while having a “conversation”. Though they may be talented at switching their attention rapidly between their favorite song, phone, and a friend’s response, they are physically incapable of focusing on both in the same moment; thus, the friend is neglected. Because an important part of a message is communicated through body language and tone of voice, a person who texts while conversing will miss a great part of what the other says. The texting person will also convey the message that they are uninterested in the conversation. A person can feel excluded when talking to someone who whips out a cell phone to text in the midst of conversation. This portrays that the texting person does not care for what the other thinks because they do not maintain eye contact or pay complete attention to the conversation. Through electronic communication, body language and expression are lost altogether.[citation needed] “Thousands of years of evolution created human physical communication… that puts broadband to shame in its ability to convey meaning and create bonds” . This long-term accomplishment is easily discarded when people turn to the quick, easy methods of communicating through technology.