A Dependence on Tech

by Andrew Rezendes

I was able to listen to The Technically Human podcast episode one, "Phoning Home: Using social media to help end homelessness", with founder Kevin Adler and executive director Jessica Donig today. In this podcast, we were presented with a rather unique idea to combat homelessness using social media. I almost feel ashamed to say that I have never even previously considered this to be one of many uses for social media. Though I partially believe this is a solution to a rather modern problem. Before I dive into the actual issue itself, I feel it is necessary to understand ones own personal biases when it comes to looking at an issue like homelessness. 

One aspect about me is that I am an avid San Francisco Giants fan, and I have been ever since I was really young. Now I don't often get to travel to San Francisco to see the Giants play, but every few years or so I get to make the trip to see a game. Now it is known that San Francisco has a rather devastating problem with homelessness. Whenever going to watch a game, I usually walk along the piers to actually get to the game. I remember noticing is the homeless population along the walk to and from the game. One aspect I remember noticing is how sometimes they would have a cell phone. I always thought this was rather bizarre due to the nature of their predicament. Looking at it now, it actually makes sense. While they may not always be able to pay the bill, the cell phone could be an indicator of a previous life before homelessness. Additionally, when they are able to pay for service, they are able to regain their connection with their family, friends, and other connections. As mentioned in the podcast, it helps keep them connected and maintain that sense of humanity associated with social connections. 

I previously said I believed this to be a rather modern problem. In the modern age, we almost rely on technology too much. If you aren't connected you're at a disadvantage. I know personally I have very few phone numbers memorized because my phone does all the heavy lifting for me. Additionally pay phones are not nearly as common today as they were in the past. This combination may also lead to an increase in the lack of connections people are able to maintain when they are homeless.

Another issue with homelessness is the increased dependence on technology. Many times today, it is almost impossible to apply for jobs without access to a computer or a phone. This then continues to perpetuate the homeless problem, and keeps people stuck in the situation they are in.  While homelessness today doesn't have a direct correlation with the increase of technology, our technology dependence doesn't help the situation.