Quotation (with page number or parag number or time stamp if video/audio)

“In the context of contemporary digital media, the hope remains that communication technologies will bring families and loved ones together. Today, we hear of people staying in touch with their children through Skype, or using mobile “family plans” to keep the family in continuous contact.” Page 18, Paragraph 3.

Comment (250-500 words)

I chose this quote to comment on because I think it presents yet another benefit but also possible negative of new technologies. It is important to keep families together, but I think with things like Skype or family plans, loved ones are connected in a more superficial way than when they gather in person. Now don’t get me wrong, I love being able to Facetime my parents and old friends while I’m at school, but it doesn’t really make me miss them less. Something about being in a room with someone makes it feel so much more real, and I know that makes me sound old but for me it’s true. I do think digital technology has made it far easier for families to stay connected, because even if Skype is less real than physically being together, it’s more real than not talking to one another at all. With digital technology, families can either stay connected through things like Skype, or they can use technology to plan a way to see each other.

Question

How can digital technology keep families and loved ones close in a deeper way?