Computers and Social Awkwardness Social awkwardness is also know as a social phobia. It’s defined as the fear of being judged or communicating with others. People say that nerds are the awkward ones, but really it’s the people sucked into their virtual world made by games or social media. Those are the real socially awkward people. Just because you use computers doesn’t mean you are a socially awkward person. Being on Computers doesn’t mean you’re socially awkward. This includes not communicating with the outside world, or it means feeling weird next to a group of people. Also could mean you just don’t communicate well with society. The Authors of Hyper connected states, “To turn away from a full range of in-person interactions”(578). This might mean that you have a phobia of talking to people. It could also mean that you just don’t like communicating or being social with others. There are many situations a person can be socially awkward. One that I can think of is logging on Xbox, and finding some friends that live 6 states away. You can tell them anything you want, and they will believe you. They don’t know you or anything about you. That’s when you get caught up in your own world of lies. You don’t want anyone else knowing about your real life, so you stay away from the real world. The Hyperconnected authors said, “Relationships that emerge online can be unfettered”(578). Basically, if you are like how this character is in the story you will be socially awkward and live a life of lies. This can imply to a whole range to a whole range of people. There are gamers or the social media addicts. These are the two main groups in social awkwardness. Gelevnter stated, “Computers should be used only during recess or relaxation periods”(583). Computers or a phone can access games or social media, so they should be a privileged and not used all day and night like that gamers and social media addicts. These people