For the most part, the answer to this question is simple and obvious. Technology does bring you closer to family, friends and acquaintances as it easily puts us in touch with those we have not communicated with in a long time. For those who live thousands of miles apart from one another, technology has made it easy for people to communicate with ease. The list goes on and on. However, for every good, there is a bad. For every ying, there is a yang.
With the oversaturation of communication apps and websites, it’s clear that social media platforms and technology show no signs of slacking in 2017. However, many people worry that as people become more attached to the screen on their phone, they become less concerned with the world six inches past their face. If you’ve come to this blog to find a clear and decisive answer about whether or not technology has brought us closer, or driven us further apart, then you’ll be disappointed by the time you finish this blog.
As creative mavens, ad-specialists, admen and adwomen, and Glintsters, we pride ourselves on being up-to-date on the latest technologies and media platforms. We believe that social media and technology has both brought us together and pushed us apart. Social media has made it easy for two or more people to communicate with each other with the push of a button. Using Skype has brought people closer together when they can’t always physically see each other. Facebook,
Twitter and other instant messaging platforms have made it possible for people to be in instant contact with each anywhere in the world and at any particular time. Social media has opened doors and opportunities never imagined before. We’ve come a long way from when a teenager’s worst nightmare was to get a Facebook friend request from a parent. For Gen-X parents, having a strong social media presence is as important as having an email address. One of the greatest family benefits of social media is that it has brought back ‘family board game night,’ well, at least the 2017 version of it. When children move out of the house, whether it’s for college or one of those steps in adulthood, bonding traditions like board-night, unfortunately, have become a thing of the past. Scrabble and Yahtzee found a quick solution by creating a mobile-friendly version that have allowed families to paly on their smartphones. Digital versions of famous family night board games have adapted to the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Today, some would argue that social media has become our greatest ally, and others would say it has become the bane of human existence.
Some would argue that social media has adverse effects on people as it limits the ability of people from having a face-to-face conversation – more specifically, Millennials and Centennials. Go outside for a walk you’re bound to see a group of individuals with each other, yet not with each other at all. What do we mean by this? These groups of friends are all in the same location, but they are social checked out as they are too worried about what Jake, or Betty is tweeting. The worst is that there are so many people that cannot go a single day without checking their phones. At Glint, we’re no different. We have team members, like the one writing this blog that is likely to have a panic attack if his phone is out of sight. It can even become more concerning when you’re at home checking in on people that live far away while forgetting about the ones that you live with.
There is no clear-cut answer on if technology brings people together or creates a bigger gap between people. The real answer is dependent on one factor – you. How you use technology will determine its effects on you and the people in your lives. When used correctly, it will bring you closer to people like you never imagined. However, fall too deep into the rabbit hole, and there may be no way to climb back out. What are our recommendations? Document important aspects of your lives like a birthday, engagement, baby shower, but avoid the day-to-day things like ordering a mocha frap at Starbucks. Don’t get us wrong; we love Starbucks, but how important is it to snap that iconic cup with your misspelled name on it?
If you have questions about branding and how your business can build and sustain a true competitive advantage, reach out to Glint at www.glintadv.com or give us a call at 817-616-0320. From large scale real estate developments, to hospitals, retail stores and credit unions, Glint has been helping clients define, refine and hone their brand strategy and imagery for over 16 years.
