The Unhealthy Relationship We All Have With Technology

There are no shortage of books, articles, blog posts, and Instagram stories about “how to spot a sociopath,” or “how to know if you’re dating a sociopath.” The topic seems to be in vogue these days likely because traditional empathy and human conscience seems to be lacking in many parts of our digital world. It’s not surprising, because many of our core human responses rely on social cues and emotional intelligence.  In the technology world, these elements continue to remain elusive–hidden behind screens. Has our relationship with the digital world turned us all into irrational humans without conscience? (don’t answer that quite yet).

The question we pose is this: What happens when our technology devices (not just the online ecosystem) attempt to act more human, but instead begin to pick up and amplify the worst of the human behaviors?

With an increasing desire to make machines more human, have our technology devices and tools inherited some of the worst traits of humanity, rather than the best? Have we all voluntarily submitted to carrying around a toxic relationship wherever we go? Have we allowed technology companies to use digital tools to control us the same way we may end up in a toxic relationship with someone with psychopathic or sociopath tendencies? A sociopath is a term used to describe someone who has antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). People with ASPD can’t understand others’ feelings. Keep in mind: Sociopaths lack conscience and empathy.

The Sociopath Checklist

Here is a brief checklist of what psychologists use to determine if someone has sociopath traits. (this isn’t scientific, but rather a thought exercise.)

• Glibness and Superficial Charm
• Manipulative and Conning
• Grandiose Sense of Self
• Pathological Lying
• Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
• Shallow Emotions
• Incapacity for Love
• Need for Stimulation
• Callousness/Lack of Empathy
• Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
• Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
• Irresponsibility/Unreliability
• Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
• Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
• Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility

The Technology Sociopath Checklist

Superficial Charm: The technology release is exciting and new, demanding your attention as the company attempts to convince you that the previous version, which worked just fine, is not as good as the latest offering offering. Excitingly “new” announcements that appear to be minor superficial enhancements or upgrades, simply to encourage you to spend more money.

Manipulative: Does the technology ecosystem lock you into a particular platform or login system.  Does it encourage you to sign extensive privacy policy agreements to gain access to the product you purchased. Does the device or platform hold your highly sensitive information in a way that keeps you locked into their offering?

Grandiose Sense of Self: 

demand attention

make you feel good and bad

cost a lot of money

superficial charm