The internet has changed the world in more ways than one and has also drastically modified how human connect with each other today. Technology has revolutionised communication and has helped reduce the time it takes for one to connect with another. With each passing day, new tools and technological advancements further improve how human connect with each other and that includes the time it takes to connect and the overall experience.
Interestingly, among the many variables that the internet offers to improve human communication and connectivity, it is the social media platforms that have simply changed the entire realm of communication today. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit human civilisation, social media was dictating human interactions and inter-personal activities. However, the restrictions imposed during the lockdown created a huge demand for platforms and technologies connecting humans.
Staying connected’ has been the motto for many in the last few years and what better way to stay connected than on social media and through apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Instagram, etc. Technology has come a long way to serve human needs and has constantly developed to keep pace with the ever-changing need of the hour, the latest being ‘staying connected’.
A liveable, iconic city
The biggest advantage of modern day technology is that it has ensured and enhanced ways and means for humans to connect. There is no limit to human interaction today, thanks to these technologies and platforms. This means that one can sit in any corner of the world and get in touch with another person who has the same or similar technology or platform.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. are not only the fastest but also some of the most convenient ways to be in touch with your loved ones. And, what more that distance is only a number when it comes to social media technologies.
Social media platforms have helped connect far- off relatives and family members, old friends who lost touch over the years, co-workers and colleagues, etc. Social media has been extensively used to strike new friendships and associations since their existence.
There are different types of connections that humans seek and that are hugely facilitated by social media technologies. Today, connectivity is crucial for not just personal relationships, professional alliances but day-to-day activities as well. One may need to stay connected to find a new job, to seek key services or benefits, for medical or legal assistance, to repair or fix things even order something as basic as food.
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and service providers who are looking to reach out and connect with the right customer base and potential clients have also been hugely benefitted with these technologies. And, non-profit organisations or socially-inclined groups and individuals wishing to raise funds for a cause have also been able to use social media very effectively.
Today, social media platforms have also realised their potential in connecting humans for all these causes and they have been able to tap on the basic human need to stay connected and to establish new connections for personal and professional use in a big way.
There is no denying that like any other technology, social media has its fair share of risks too. Cyber bullying, fraud, stalking, identity theft, fake accounts and handles, privacy violations, etc. are some of the risks associated with the use of social media. It’s important to use these smartly, wisely, properly understanding the risks and pitfalls of each technology and make sure the weak and innocent are shielded at all times.
Technology helped connect during pandemic
The need for such technologies was felt the most when Covid-19 pandemic hit the world two years ago. India, like the rest of the world, went into complete and absolute lockdown for months on end. At the time, because of sudden restrictions on travel, commuting and movement of any sort, many individuals got stuck in locations away from their homes and families.
It was one of the most trying times for millions of individuals across the world. While some were stuck away from their homes and families, there were those who had no choice but to stay away from their families as they were contributing in tackling the dreadful pandemic as frontline workers or essential service providers.
Doctors, nurses, police personnel, pathology laboratory workers, pharmacy workers, postal workers, bank employees, transport workers any many other sections of people who were tirelessly working during the peak of the pandemic relied heavily on social media and similar connecting technologies to stay in touch with their loved ones.
At a time when they could not leave their workplace to go home to prevent their families from contracting the deadly virus, social media technologies came to their rescue to ensure they are at peace knowing their families are safe.
The pandemic completely redefined how humans connect – at home and at work. Many people turned to technology to continue ‘interaction’ with another human being especially those who were quarantined or in home isolation. As a response to the loneliness and the isolation that was created due to Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing restrictions, many used social media to feel as close to normal as possible.
During the pandemic, technologies took on new forms of significance and the scale of use. Millions of people, who had probably never used social media apps and platforms in their lives before, start to use these and rely on these heavily. So, the global public health crisis not just redefined but also hastened the use of technology across all segments. The lessons that were learned during the pandemic also helped design new solutions to connect people no matter how far they are.
The evolving technologies
Today, with just a click of a button, one is able to connect with individuals sitting thousands of miles away. Over time, as human needs have changed, technologies have evolved in a big way keeping up with these needs. So, what started with Orkut, Viber and Facebook has now evolved into many new and better platforms such as WhatsApp, Google Talk, Google Hangouts, Windows Live, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. And this evolves further with each passing day.
The present era is that of digital technology innovation and every entity that is part of this revolution is pushing for better, easier and simpler means to connect. So there are messaging apps that help you send text messages or images and videos at the touch of a button. Then there are platforms that give users the tools to showcase special moments from their lives. All one needs is a smartphone or a laptop and a good internet connection.
On the one side there are apps that will immortalise your data into the virtual world – for example, images and videos of your wedding, first solo trip, etc. Then there are features that allow one to project their ‘stories’ for shorter span of time. Most social media platforms have adopted this transient feature owing to its popularity and call it by different names.
The data that floats in digital space today is infinite and endless. Despite the risks, fact remains that humans have been able to make the most of social media platforms and connecting technologies today. The role of social media platforms in the lives of people, across social strata, is invaluable and irreplaceable.