Making connections & staying connected in the era of social media

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Making connections & staying connected in the era of Social Media

Charlene deGuzman and Tara Tiger Brown discuss their thoughts on our transition into an increasingly cyber-world.

They may disagree about whether smart phones and social media divide or connect us, but Charlene deGuzman and Tara Tiger Brown are both unintentional Internet celebrities. Both women agree that technology is undeniably powerful.  But while it can help us maintain old friendship and make new connections with people we may never meet “in the real world”, is it also hindering us from living in the present?

After feeling overwhelmingly frustrated at a concert during which most audience members were filming on their smart phones, Charlene deGuzman was inspired to make the short film “I forgot my phone.” Relatable social commentary, the film has garnered over 42 million YouTube views and triggered a worldwide discussion about living in the “now” rather than living for “likes.”  DeGuzman argues that we need to focus more on validating ourselves rather than looking to our social media circles for validation.

Tara Tiger Brown lives a very cyber-connected life. She appreciates the ease with which she can connect with old friends and communicate long distance through social media. Her husband proposed to her via a tweet, to which she responded with “w00t.” Photos and videos of her son, Rips, continue to go viral. For Brown, social media and the devices we use to access online platforms are a modern necessity that is bringing her closer to the people she cares about most in the world.

Is cyber-connected world dividing us?

Charlene deGuzman and Tara Tiger Brown discuss their thoughts on our transition into an increasingly cyber-world.