How technology is changing and shaping the way we connect

I grew up in the 80’s, that magical time when girls were glued to their phones after school. And to be clear: I’m talking landlines here. Not cell phones.

Three decades later, things have changed. My, how they have changed. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t text extensively. Even my parents, who are in their mid-70’s text us all regularly.

There’s no denying that technology has made connecting and staying connected much easier. These days you can text or call literally anyone around the world without fear of draining your bank account. When I was a kid, my siblings and I had little opportunity to speak to our grandparents, who lived in South America. These days we videocall from our Caribbean vacations.

So the reality is that in this day and age, connecting with friends is easier than ever before.

We can communicate instantly via 

• messaging,
• video calls,
• texting 
• and even through social media.

My friend Jessica and I video chat now, despite the 6 hour time difference (she lives in Germany).

Technology has also made it possible for us to strengthen connections. Unlike 20 years ago, we can now instantly share photos, videos, and life updates. And there’s more ways to do so: you can either connect with friends one-on-one via text, or with many: you can crate your own text thread with family, or your own friend group on Facebook. If this is something you enjoy doing, you literally have tons of opportunities to engage with each other’s lives and experiences. And get to know them well, not just superficially.

For those of us who have friends in other cities or countries technology is a blessing.

My best friend and I have been friends for over 40 years. And that whole time, we have lived in the same city less than ten years. The rest of the time has been spent on the

• phone,
• via email,
• via WhatsApp,
• text,
• occasional zooms
• and yes, even letters and cards over snail mail (although letters are definitely not common now).

And while technology offers numerous benefits, it’s important to remember that it does have limitations; without face-to-face time, eventually you can get to feeling that this isn’t a “real” friendship, and so, it’s not as important.

And don’t forget: Digital communication very often lacks depth and doesn’t allow for the nuances that face-to-face interactions do. One thing I find absolutely astonishing is kids today. They sit there agonizing and deciphering emojis in a text, to find out if their friends are really angry or not. Why not pick up the phone, call, and actually verbally ask? (but hey, I’m probably a cranky old lady)

The bottom line is that I think technology has helped us connect and stay connected tremendously.

But, as with everything in life, we have to make it work FOR us, not against us. And-I might be over 50-but I doubt online/digital contact will ever replace the personal touch.

I hope you’re using all of the above methods to stay connected with loved ones. And if there’s some other ways you think I should know about, drop me a line!

Looking to connect with your friends with greeting cards? Check out my "Friendship & Support" collection.