I want to start a discussion about how technology is being used vs. how it can be used, specifically focusing on social networking. I would love to have some discussion on this subject, because I feel it is a conversation that should be had. Please feel free to post your thoughts and share this post with anyone else; let's get the conversation started.
How many times have we heard, “Turn off the computer and spend time with the people that you love!”, or, “Ditch the computer and create a human connection!”? We have all heard the pleas begging us to unplug our devices and connect to our loved ones. Groups call for people to turn off their electronics for a day, or a week, and get back together with our families. “Computers make us anti-social!” they caterwaul to anyone who will listen.
Why do we believe that they do, in fact, make us less social? The assumption is that while using technology we are not interacting with people. Television has long been criticized for this, and rightly so. Sitting and staring at a screen is only rarely a social activity. And for many people computers are nothing more than televisions with a mouse. There is no social interaction; they interact with what is on the screen, but not very much beyond it. Some examples are most Facebook games, which are really not much more than solitaire with prettier pictures. Even the “social” components merely invite others to play solitaire as well. Your friends may be able to look at your hand and maybe play a few cards, but that is about it. Not much “social interaction” there. More generally on Facebook, many people post a lot, but don't interact with what their friends post very much. Again, not much real social interaction going on. So in many cases, this assumption is correct.
If computers are our windows to the world, then we need to do more then just look through them; we still have to go outside sometimes. Technology is able to eliminate the physical distances that separate us; it brings the whole world within our reach. The internet creates a direct link between people, like cans-and-string for the 21st century. It is the great equalizer, allowing everyone to have a voice and a connection to the rest of the world. It should be used for good, such as when the Red Cross raised over $22 million through text-message donations alone just after the earthquake in Haiti. We can see the good every day when a soldier, stationed overseas, gets to talk face to face with their child and family. Someone going through a personal crisis receives a call from a loved one or friend on the other side of the country, making them feel less alone and getting them through another day. Technology can be an extremely positive tool. Moments like these happen every day, little miracles that happen right before our eyes if we have the eyes to see them.
So how can we move people towards using technology as a positive communications tool? How can guidance and instruction for technology usage be accomplished?
