A moment of reflection on relationships and technology
Many of my closest relationships are relationships of long distance. I went to sleep away camp for many years meaning some of my dearest friends live far away, I went to arts boarding school my senior year of high school, I go to school over 1,000 miles away from home, and my boyfriend is from England. Needless to say, technology plays an integral role in my everyday routine as it allows me to stay connected to the most important people in my life. Just today for example, I FaceTimed my best friend Maddie who goes to University of Illinois, I called my mom, texted my brother, and Skyped my boyfriend (the fact that these applications have become verbs is amazing). I am constantly looking for the newest app that will give me the illusion of closeness to these people. I even have a special app that is meant for long distance relationships (Couple), showing that there are tons of other people like me that rely on innovative technology that appeal to a specific demographic. The apps like Couple or Viber or Whatsapp understand the role of technology in connecting people with one another and are thus able to thrive. Some people might believe that technology disconnects us from the people around us and causing us to ignore the in-personal relationships in front of us. However, I know that technology has allowed me to APPRECIATE my in-person relationships because I have realized with time how virtual relationships are not comparable to being with the people you love.
This brings to mind some of the old long distance phone commercials from way back: "Reach out and touch someone.." So much technology is about enabling our geographically spread. I think this brings up a sort of chicken vs. the egg question about whether technology or our lifestyle is driving innovation. I'd argue for lifestyle. Success in America means being willing to be in the programs such as the ones you list, and technology is our way of humanizing or making possible these necessities.. In your blogs push to add a higher level of social thinking, because you are making good observations.
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