I see it everywhere I go.

On television, on the bus, on the computer and in our homes. It’s hard to comprehend the undeniable effect technology has had on how we communicate with each other.

For some, it has been difficult to adapt to change – for others, near impossible. But for a whole generation, technology has utterly and inexorably become a fundamental part of how we communicate. It’s impossible to deny that technology has permanently shaped the way we speak with one another, but to what end? For good or for bad?

There is no doubt technology such as cell phones, BlackBerrys and the Internet have some very positive aspects. We can communicate faster than ever before, to anywhere in the world.

Mothers no longer have to worry about reaching their children, and bosses need not worry about contacting their employees. Businesses are more efficient, and people more social. It would seem that technology only offers solutions to our problems.

Or so it would seem. Despite how far we’ve progressed due to technology, we are also regressing.

I realized this while walking through the subway the other day. I saw an elderly musician – known as a busker – playing a flute and hoping for donations. I also realized that his change box was nearly empty. As I looked around him, I noticed the demographic he was facing – each person walked by texting away on their BlackBerry, listening to their iPod or yapping on their phone.

They were all completely oblivious to the man playing the instrument, some because they could not hear his music, others who simply didn’t care. It’s obvious the poor fellow had no idea what generation he was dealing with.

It struck me then – despite how much we’ve progressed due to technological innovation, we have also moved backwards. With all the technology that is being utilized to make us connect more easily as a community, we are actually becoming more disconnected from each other on a personal level.

Think about it. When is the last time you sent someone a text message or an e-mail instead of calling because you didn’t want to hear their voice and make small talk? Or put on your headphones after saying hello to an acquaintance on the bus, to avoid awkward conversation?

You can see it everywhere you go. People use their electronic devices as an excuse for not noticing the buskers. It’s as if being wrapped in our own technological lives diminishes the importance of the world around us. Sorry, but your headphones aren’t fooling anyone - we know you can see the busker; you’re just too absorbed in your own world to care about him.