Sherry Turkle, a professor of social studies of science and technology at MIT, has become a leading voice in examining the intersection of technology, human interaction, and self-identity. In her work, particularly in her books Alone Together (2011) and Reclaiming Conversation (2015), Turkle explores how our increasing dependence on technology, especially smartphones and social media, is reshaping our relationships with each other and ourselves.
Key Points from Sherry Turkle’s Work:
- The Illusion of Connection One of Turkle’s central arguments is that technology, particularly digital communication, has created an illusion of connection rather than fostering genuine human relationships. While we are constantly “connected” through texts, social media, and apps, Turkle argues that these connections are often shallow and fail to meet our deep human need for face-to-face, meaningful interaction.
Social media platforms, for example, give the appearance of constant interaction but often lead to emotional isolation. People are spending less time in real, empathetic conversations and more time engaging in virtual exchanges that are quick, fragmented, and, in many cases, superficial. This type of interaction, according to Turkle, ultimately leaves us feeling lonelier and more disconnected, even in the presence of others.
- The Rise of “Solitude in Public” Turkle describes the phenomenon of “solitude in public,” where people are physically together but mentally and emotionally absent from each other because they are absorbed in their devices. She notes that while we might be in the same room as our family or friends, everyone is often preoccupied with their smartphones, checking social media, texting, or playing games, rather than engaging in meaningful conversation or shared activities. This contributes to the breakdown of authentic human connection.
- Technology and Identity: The Shifting Sense of Self Turkle also discusses how the rise of digital technology, particularly social media, is altering our relationship to ourselves. With the constant need for validation through likes, shares, and comments, technology has become a means of constructing a curated identity. People are increasingly defining themselves by the feedback they receive online, leading to a fragmented sense of self and a reliance on external approval to feel validated.
She warns that this external focus on digital affirmation is eroding a more internal, stable sense of identity, leaving individuals vulnerable to anxiety, insecurity, and even depression when they don’t receive the validation they crave.
- The Need for “Reclaimed Conversation” In her later work, Reclaiming Conversation, Turkle calls for a return to real, face-to-face conversations as a way to rebuild genuine connections with others and rediscover our sense of self. She argues that deep, meaningful conversations are essential for developing empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection. Technology, in her view, has disrupted our ability to have these kinds of conversations and has diminished our ability to be present with one another.
According to Turkle, the antidote to this disconnection is reclaiming the art of conversation—being fully present, listening attentively, and engaging in reflective dialogue without the distraction of phones and other devices.
Contrast with Catholic Teaching
While Turkle’s analysis offers a sobering view of the digital age, the Catholic Church offers a different perspective on human connection and the role of technology in our lives. Catholic teachings highlight the importance of human dignity, community, and authentic relationships, all of which can be informed by, but not defined by, technological tools.
- The Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church teaches that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and as such, each person has intrinsic dignity. In the context of Turkle’s observations, one could argue that digital technologies often undermine this dignity by reducing humans to “users” or “consumers” in a virtual marketplace of attention. Technology can depersonalize individuals, reducing their identity to an online profile or a series of posts rather than recognizing them as whole persons with complex inner lives and spiritual worth.
The Catholic Church emphasizes the value of face-to-face encounters as essential for respecting the full dignity of the human person. Catholic social teaching stresses the importance of community—both the Church as a spiritual family and the broader human community. The value of human relationships is central to the faith, where communion with others mirrors our communion with God.
- Authentic Relationships and Communion Catholicism places a strong emphasis on authentic relationships. Christ’s call to love one another (John 13:34-35) underlines the need for deep, real connections with others. This is reflected in the Church’s teaching on the family as the “domestic church,” where relationships are nurtured, and sacred interactions take place.
In contrast to the superficial relationships that Turkle critiques in digital spaces, the Catholic tradition elevates real, in-person, sacramental relationships. For instance, the Eucharist itself is an act of communion that invites people to engage fully with each other and with Christ. The very nature of the Church as a community of believers is centered on interpersonal connection and shared worship, something that digital tools cannot replicate.
- The Role of Technology in Catholic Life The Church does not reject technology outright, but it calls for a proper balance between technological engagement and human relationships. The Vatican has acknowledged both the benefits and dangers of digital technology, particularly in documents like The Church and Internet (2002) and Communication and the Digital Age (2011), where it recognizes the power of digital communication in spreading the Gospel and connecting people.
However, Catholic teaching emphasizes that technology should serve the good of human flourishing, not detract from it. In this sense, technology should be used to support, not replace, authentic human relationships and spiritual practices. Turkle’s concern about the “illusion of connection” aligns with Catholic teaching that true human flourishing comes from living in authentic relationship with God and others—relationships that can never be fully replicated in the digital realm.
- Restoring Presence and Attention The Catholic tradition has long valued the practice of mindfulness and being present—whether in prayer, in the family, or in community. The practice of silence and reflection is part of the Church’s rich spiritual tradition, from contemplative prayer to the quiet of Eucharistic adoration. Catholicism also values the notion of “attentive love,” where we are fully present with one another, listening and engaging deeply, which is in many ways the antidote to the distraction and isolation that Turkle discusses.
In this light, Turkle’s call for “reclaimed conversation” resonates with the Catholic call for a return to attentiveness and presence in human interactions. The Church has long understood the importance of being fully present—in relationships, in prayer, and in community—recognizing that such presence is where genuine love and connection flourish.
Conclusion: Technology as a Tool for Human Flourishing, Not a Substitute
Sherry Turkle’s critique of modern technology and its impact on human connection is a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine relationships, attentiveness, and emotional well-being. Her work calls for a return to authentic, face-to-face interactions and a reconnection with our own inner lives, which have been destabilized by the digital noise surrounding us.
From a Catholic perspective, there is much in Turkle’s work that resonates with the Church’s call for human flourishing, authentic community, and the centrality of relationships grounded in God’s love. The Catholic Church encourages the use of technology in ways that support, rather than diminish, human dignity and communion. Technology, in the Catholic view, should be a tool that aids our connection with others, fosters greater self-awareness, and enhances our ability to serve God and one another—never a substitute for real, life-giving relationships.
Thus, while Turkle’s concerns about the growing disconnection fostered by digital technologies are valid, the Catholic response would emphasize not the rejection of technology, but its responsible use. The goal is not to retreat from technology, but to engage with it in a way that encourages genuine relationships, nurtures the human soul, and supports a life of faith and service to others.