How Not to Be Alone by Jonathan Safran Foer

Jonathan Safran Foer explores how technology and loneliness impact us in “How Not to Be Alone.” During his commencement address at Middlebury College, Foer adapted parts of his speech into an essay for the New York Times. Foer examines the impact of technology on human connection and evolution of communication in the piece. Foer examines how technology shapes us and what we can do to overcome loneliness.

Foer’s essay examines the negative effects of the modern world, including the loss of empathy. He uses the literary devices of ethos and pathos to argue for the importance of human connection. He makes a strong case for the importance of paying attention to humanity by citing Voltaire’s credibility. We are not alone. Regardless of our individual circumstances, we cannot be isolated.