Google+ builds upon the latest applications and using the technology from previous social media initiatives like Facebook, iPhones, Twitter to create more user-friendly instant interactions with circles, huddles, hangouts, and instant upload. It looks like we’re getting closer to being connected to one another in such a way, that as soon as you have a feeling and a thought–your action of syncing in with social media takes real-time and congruency to a whole new level. My fascination lies mainly in how using this new technology will affect our values and the quality of our relationships.
Reading about Google + makes me wonder if in the future fewer people will have to drive to office buildings to go to work. If you are in the business of providing services, and not products–I see many people working from other locations due to how much time we spent virtually hooked in to one another’s lives. This would help solve part of the environmental/energy footprints as well as provide more quality time to spend with the people most important to you (friends, family, partners, and our children). Google + could also revolutionize the way children learn as well just like encyclopedias and micro fiche helped me out as a kid (am I dating myself?!). As each new product comes out and builds upon the latest technology, I keep looking to the kids now using it–and where we’re going. What are the ramifications and implications of how kids adapt to the technology faster than the adults responsible for raising and instilling social-emotional intelligence, values and ethics in these children? Recent studies show that the highest growth demographic on Facebook are older adults, while teenagers are fleeing, because they want more privacy. What does this say about teaching congruency in thoughts/feelings/actions? How will this affect the future dating and marriage relationships of our younger generations?
The more we’re able to connect on social media platforms like Google+ while incorporating our values and ethics as we interact with users, will I believe determine whether or not we’re able to work more efficiently at work and when we play. Google+ can enhance our experience so we are able to spend more time on the things (which is often our relationships with those closest to us) that matter most to us. If we use this technology intentionally and wisely, then it will help us achieve work-life balance.
Men and women may use these social media tools differently, because of their preferred reasons behind why they communicate and sign on these sites. I get questions all the time from clients on how to interpret texts, facebook posts, etc., from whom they’re dating. Therefore, I think as we increasingly use technology and adapt it to our needs, we should also stay cognizant of how this affects our personal and professional relationships with those around us. I hope it helps people have healthier relationships.
As younger generations pick up the technology quickly, I think the value of learning social and emotional skills will increase. As time goes by instead of social media being a place where you can post your opinions anonymously (and sometimes quite cruelly and untactful), what you say on social media will have direct ramifications in our daily lives, because we’ll leave virtual footprints of what we think/feel/do. We’ll use social media more like a pair of glasses to increase what we can see and influence. Therefore, as our profiles become visible to everyone what we say/do on social networking sites should reflect our values we hold dear, and the good behavior we instill in our kids as they grow up. In an ideal world as we use collaborative social media platforms like Google+, they should help us evolve not become more insular, self-centered, egotistical, or narcissistic. It will bring a whole new level to being able to identify how emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mature people are in their interactions with all people.
Lyndsay Katauskas, MEd
Mars Venus Coaching
Corporate Media Relations
