Online Humanity

As more technology invades our daily life are we aware, or do we even care, that we are giving up our identities? And I'm not talking about identity theft, but I'm talking about the human element of meeting someone face to face. Technology, like the Internet, enhances our communication with others, allows us to learn about distant cultures, and entertains us. Sounds pretty good to me. But if the medical or social work profession starts to main-stream services to clients online, what are the implications?

I have to say that a great deal of my time at work is spent online, looking up information for people calling the Helpline and showing them where they can go online for further social/medical connections, and then I plug their information into a database to relay to others the next steps that are to be taken with a client. Every care note is electronic, there is even a way to speak to a helpline specialist purely by e-mail! No personal connection required! Aren't we losing something here? At least the security of being in the presence of another human being conveys comfort. But there are so many callers, and people sending e-mail, so it must be helpful, right?

But here are the positives of being dependent on the use of your voice only: 1) You focus on purely what is being said, and can not look at a person through tinted glasses - less discrimination?; 2) Unlimited information is at my disposal via the internet, and a quick way of sending information to others; 3) Immediate gratification, for better or for worse, a caller can pick up the phone or start typing and tell others exactly how they feel!

This is a big topic and I am only skimming the surface. What do you think?

Please scan these interesting articles:
"Protect your Online Privacy: Start Blogging"
"What if your car cared about your health"
"UPMC center showcases ‘virtualization’ of healthcare"