The influence of technology on human communication and relationships. Explain with relevant examples.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Impact of Technology on Human Communication and Relationships
Introduction
In the digital age, technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. While it has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, it is essential to examine the broader impact of technology on human communication and relationships. This essay explores how technology has influenced these aspects of our lives, with relevant examples highlighting both the positive and negative effects.
Communication Enhancements
Technology has undeniably enhanced communication by providing us with various tools and platforms for instant connectivity. This convenience has significantly impacted the speed and ease with which we can communicate with others. For instance:
Global Connectivity: Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools have made it possible for individuals from different corners of the world to connect effortlessly. Families separated by physical distance can now maintain regular contact and share their lives in real-time.
Efficiency and Productivity: Email, instant messaging, and collaborative tools have streamlined business communication, enabling faster decision-making, real-time collaboration, and increased productivity.
Access to Information: The internet has made access to information instantaneous. Today, we can quickly search for facts, news, and research, broadening our knowledge and expanding our perspectives.
Altered Forms of Communication
While technology has enhanced communication, it has also introduced new forms of communication that have altered the way we interact with one another:
Text-based Communication: The prevalence of texting, instant messaging, and social media has led to a shift towards text-based communication. While this form of communication is efficient and convenient, it often lacks the nuances and emotional depth conveyed through face-to-face interactions.
Emojis and Abbreviations: The rise of emojis and abbreviations has become a common language in digital communication. While they add expressiveness and facilitate brevity, they may also lead to misinterpretations or misunderstandings due to the absence of non-verbal cues.
Social Media Impact: Social media platforms have transformed how we communicate by allowing us to share our thoughts, experiences, and emotions with a wide audience instantaneously. However, this can also lead to shallow interactions, a sense of social comparison, or even isolation as individuals strive for likes and validation.
Impact on Relationships
Technology’s influence on relationships is complex, presenting both opportunities and challenges:
Long-Distance Relationships: Technology has been a lifeline for individuals in long-distance relationships as it enables regular communication through video calls, messaging apps, and sharing experiences via social media. This has helped bridge the physical gap and maintain emotional connections.
Social Connections: Social media platforms offer opportunities for individuals to connect with like-minded people, fostering communities based on shared interests or experiences. Online support groups provide comfort and connection for individuals facing challenges or seeking advice.
Digital Disconnect: Over-reliance on technology can create a sense of disconnection within close relationships. Excessive screen time or constant distractions from devices can diminish the quality of face-to-face interactions and hinder genuine emotional connections.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: The anonymity provided by technology has led to an increase in cyberbullying and online harassment. This negatively affects relationships, leading to psychological distress and strained interpersonal connections.
Conclusion
Technology has undeniably transformed human communication and relationships, offering unprecedented convenience, connectivity, and access to information. However, it is crucial to recognize both the positive and negative impacts it brings. While technology enhances communication speed and efficiency, it may also diminish the depth and richness of interpersonal interactions. Moreover, while it facilitates long-distance relationships and social connections, it can also contribute to feelings of disconnection and expose individuals to online abuse.
As we navigate the digital landscape, it is essential to strike a balance between utilizing technology as a tool for connection while prioritizing meaningful face-to-face interactions that foster genuine human connections.
