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.
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.