Locsin, Emmanuel
March 23, 2025
Reaction Paper: “The Flight from Conversation” by Sherry Turkle
In the article “The Flight from Conversation” written by Sherry Turkle, published in The New
York Times on April 21, 2012, Turkle explores the impact of technology on human conversation
and connection. She discusses how the rise of mobile devices and digital communication
platforms has led to a shift from face-to-face conversations to fragmented, impersonal
exchanges. The main argument of the article is that while technology provides a sense of
connection, it has significantly diminished the depth and quality of human interactions, leading
to a society where people are “alone together.”
I think Turkle’s observations about the impact of technology on human communication resonate
deeply with our current social dynamics. She points out that although we are constantly
connected through devices, this connection often lacks the emotional depth and understanding
that face-to-face conversations provide. In my opinion, this constant need for “connection”
without real engagement leads to a sense of isolation, even when surrounded by people. The
example of a businessman who prefers to communicate through emails and avoid in-person
interactions highlights the discomfort people often feel with direct communication. Turkle
writes, “I’m not telling the truth. I’m the one who doesn’t want to be interrupted. I think I should.
But I’d rather just do things on my BlackBerry.” This statement reveals a common paradox:
people desire connection but avoid the more challenging and uncomfortable aspects of it, such as
interruptions or the vulnerability that comes with face-to-face conversations. Furthermore, Turkle
highlights the shift in how we approach relationships and self-presentation. Technology allows us
to carefully curate and edit our interactions, presenting an idealized version of ourselves. I truly
feel that this change limits our ability to develop authentic connections. As Turkle says, “Texting
and e-mail and posting let us present the self we want to be. This means we can edit.” While this
can be empowering, it also means that we miss out on the richness and messiness of real
relationships. The ability to delete or retouch communication prevents us from truly experiencing
each other as we are, flaws and all. Moreover, Turkle emphasizes that this reliance on technology
for communication has diminished our ability to engage in deep conversations. In the past,
conversations were slow and deliberate, fostering patience and mutual understanding. Now,
however, as we communicate through quick texts or social media posts, we often prioritize speed
over substance. Turkle writes, “We start to expect faster answers. To get these, we ask one
another simpler questions; we dumb down our communications.” This shift towards brevity can
hinder our ability to truly understand one another on a deeper level. I believe that meaningful
conversations require time, attention, and patience—qualities that are increasingly difficult to
find in a world of instant digital exchanges.
In conclusion, Sherry Turkle’s article “The Flight from Conversation” provides a compelling
argument about the consequences of our growing dependence on technology for communication.
I believe that her insights are particularly relevant in today’s world, where digital platforms often
replace genuine human interaction. The shift from conversation to connection has made our
relationships more superficial and less fulfilling. To counteract this trend, I think it is crucial for
us to reclaim the art of conversation, allowing ourselves to engage more deeply with one another.
Only through meaningful face-to-face interactions can we foster the empathy and understanding
necessary for true connection.
