Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation?

Wow!  It has been a long time since I wrote an update to the blog.  I have been busy trying to find my next business opportunity and continue sales consulting in the interim.  I promise to make sure regular updates are posted!

The New York Times recently published an article asking,  “Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation”   They report a couple of interesting things:  (1)  The average person is more socially isolated than 20 years ago  and (2) Cell phones and the internet (including Social Networks like Facebook and LinkedIn)   are not to blame – according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

They cite the number of close confidants in a person’s life as the key measure.  With all of the technology available to us, how can we possibly be more isolated or “un-connected”.

They also report that people who regularly use digital technologies are more social than the average American visiting more parks, cafes or volunteering.  This makes sense to me.

As an early adopter of Social Media and Digital Technology, there was lots of trial and error on my part, learning how to make these new networks work for me.  By work, I mean how can these tools help me multiply connections and develop meaningful relationships.

Many more people are jumping on-line and trying their own hands at these tools,  Perhaps the volunteer projects we should be involved in are sharing our lessons learned to help others make meaningful connections through application of digital tools and media?

Then anti-social behavior and isolation should begin to wane.

 

Sometimes the Media gets it right…….

This is one of those times.  Both Social Media and world news have this one right.  I have been following the Iran elections and associated viewpoints both on Twitter and via regular news outlets-Internet and TV.  I am astounded how Social Media (Twitter) has transformed “reporting” and integrated “reality”.  The updates, some grisly and some unbelievable, have been astonishing to read.  The “regular” media focused their reporting traditionally coupled with coverage of the Tweets they followed and were sent their way.  All I can say is WOW!

I am amazed at the adoption rate of Twitter and what it is being used for.

I believe this is a “tipping-point” and will transform Media/reporting, hopefully for the better.

Netbooks………helping raise the Cloud.

Seems like the last few weeks, I have been seeing more and more netbooks in general use.  I have seen them everywhere-Starbucks, book stores, the library, business meetings, etc.  Many stores I have visited have them on display.  The Mobile Phone carriers have been developing plans to subsidize them like they do hand sets.  Yet another device that takes advantage of 3G connectivity. (someone I know called them BIG Clunky Smartphones that can’t make calls easily)

Wikipedia defines a Netbook as a small portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet primarily designed for web browsing and e-mailing, netbooks rely heavily on the Internet for remote access to web-based applications.

Most Netbooks now ship with Windows XP though there are models with customized versions of Linux and soon arriving Android.

To me, these cheaper, low power laptops are perfectly suited to take advantage of Cloud Computing.  They do not need lots of computing power, or storage because they access web based apps/storage.  As you see more and more of these devices, they will drive acceptance and reliance on Cloud Computing relying on cheap , fast access to the Internet/Cloud Services.

I guess I will have to keep my eyes out for a steal of a deal……..