According to a recent survey by Euro RSCG Worldwide, 51% of the 5,700 adults surveyed believe that digital communication is “weakening the human bond.” They aren’t ridding themselves of their smart phones quite yet, but they’re concerned.
It’s a given that digital communication has changed the way we interact. The pros and cons are discussed ad nauseum. Frequently, the negative aspects are most loudly touted. That’s just human nature, albeit, now hiding behind Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, blogging etc.
But there are multiple examples where digital communication can and is enhancing the human experience. My favorite is a little known blog – or depending on the circles you run in – a very well-known blog by Betty Londergan called “What Gives 365” or “365 days of putting my money where my mouth is.”
What started out as a personal challenge for one individual has turned into a far reaching phenomenon allowing the author, turned blogger, to connect with people from as far away as Guatemala, Ethiopia, India, England , Afghanistan- just to name a few.
The concept is simple. Through 2010, everyday Betty selects one organization and donates $100 of her own money to this worthy cause. She tells you the story behind the organization, why she chose it and why you might consider donating as well. Each week she selects one “Vicarious Giver.” In other words, convince her that you have an organization worthy of consideration, and if she chooses your entry, she’ll make her contribution to your group.
From local groups like Georgia Public Broadcasting and Trees Atlanta to Caritas/Haiti and Girls’ Education in Afghanistan, Betty’s goal is to “shine a light on 365 people, places and things that are making the world a better place.”
So for all those surveyed in “The New Consumer” study who want a more thoughtful life experience, are extremely worried that “society has become too shallow” and that “digital communication is weakening human bonds,” here is your opportunity to witness digital communication at its best.
At “What Gives 365,” you can read about little known organizations and people quietly giving back to the world. And on December 31, 2010, you’ll have a list of 365 organizations vetted and deemed worthy of charitable contributions and perhaps a new cause to support. What a great way to connect with humanity.
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman is a strategic communications leader specializing in media relations and reputation management. With a proven track record of securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and USA Today, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Mike Touhill is vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, where he helps lead traditional, social and digital media programs for B2B and B2C clients in packaging, telecommunications and technology, among other industries. As a communication leader, he develops and executes public relations strategy, provides proactive and reactive counsel to C-level executives and secures earned media coverage for client initiatives and product.
Andrew Agan is a vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, overseeing the agency’s internship program and leading media relations, content strategy and social media initiatives. He provides counsel and executes campaigns for clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, hospitality, technology, automotive and many others. Andrew excels at crafting compelling stories and building media relationships, resulting in clients being featured in notable outlets such as CNBC, Associated Press, Business Insider, Fox Business, HBO, Inc. Magazine, Sirius XM, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among others.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.
I always think that people who think Social Media is weakening bonds forget the Social aspect. If anything it's strengthening existing bonds and creating new ones. It would be pretty hard to keep up to date via mail with my friends in Costa Rica, Austria, Israel and Spain but with social media I get the cutest iphone picture of the three year old in her first ballet class pretty much instantly. She lives in Vienna by the way. I think it all boils down to change. People are always resistant to it even if they adopt whatever that change is.