#lean media

Digital media has changed the world of mass communication in ways unthought of before.  Users can now have immediate access to people all around the world but at the same time it can feel superficial at best.  As you move further away from face-to-face communication it is easier for videos images and text to be manipulated into a less genuine more image or commercially motivated interaction. 

When wishing someone Happy Birthday for example instead of a handwritten card or a visit in person people now send a quick message that can even be automatically generated.  The thought and the care are seemingly gone.  I try to take the extra step to personalize a social media Birthday message if I must take that route (usually because of the convenience) and do a deep dive for old photos together to make a collage or spend some extra time to write a well thought and genuine message.

When living away from home forces me to communicate primarily through social media I’ve been able to stay in touch with my youngest family members growth milestones through photos posted and use video messaging to send thoughts and jokes throughout the day that I would normally be able to tell in person.  My family had everyone get together and hold up letters that spelled out “We Miss You Shelby” and tagged everyone to create a long thread that everyone could comment on.  That wouldn’t have been possible to instantly receive and help with homesickness without social media.  While technology does indeed sometimes create a distance between people and interpersonal communication it can also bridge the gap that physical distance creates.