Smart Technology is finding and facilitating new ways for people to relate to each other, since relationships are at the heart of the idea of a smart society. And today digital technologies seem to be changing the ways humans relate to each other.
Irrespective of whether it being about the way we connect with each other, the spatial and temporal dimensions of our communication, the breadth and depth of our connections, or the meanings conveyed and experiences shared, the use of connected technologies and networks changes the dynamics of our relationships through the following five means:
1. Directness
We can see and interact with each other in real time using digital technologies enabling real-time visuals like video conversations via smartphones or conferencing devices.
Richer, non-verbal cues in face-to-face contact make candid and quick exchange of ideas, minimizing possibility of misinterpretation and avoiding future misunderstandings.
Corning, the manufacturer of glass and ceramics, uses face-to-face contact for generating 80% of their innovative ideas, and found that engineers were only willing to walk a maximum of 100 feet from their desks to talk to somebody.
2. Continuity
Digital technologies allow continuous and regular interactions, particularly if it is not possible or desirable to meet in person, or when staffs are geographically dispersed. This enables us to call home and wish someone happy birthday when you are unable to get home due to work; or the ease of holding routine weekly talks with a client in another geographic area, or when the physician can monitor our condition without us going to the clinic.
This improved and continuous interaction that communication technology provides may prove instrumental in strengthening family bonds. A study shows that three quarters of teenagers feel that a mobile phone makes them closer to their parents.
3. Multiplexity
Improved direct and continuous relationships lead to higher levels of multiplexity – that is having deeper knowledge of others and wider understanding of situational contexts in relationships.
Given the health devices we use, our physicians are better able to monitor our health closely and regularly, making it possible for healthcare professionals to better understand our health history and lifestyles, and lead the relationship towards a deeper discussion of potential interventions, management of conditions and education.
The wise and prudent use of social media allows us to regularly keep loved ones and friends informed of each others activities or whereabouts.
Teachers at all levels are also making increasing use of sophisticated student performance data, new communication means, and better digital tools to connect with their students. Smart sensors and connected devices, with smart systems enable automatic performance logging and data reporting, reduce paperwork and bureaucracy, giving teachers more time to interact with pupils and to build a stronger relationship and understanding.
4. Parity
Digital technologies are a leveler –enabling all segments of society to interact with each other on equal footing. Their use in personal banking and similar areas are changing the relationship we have with our banks and other utility agencies. Today we are moving towards a culture of do-it-yourself in many areas of our life where we can take more control of our interactions.
5. Commonality
Increasing ability to focus relationships on striving towards common goals comes about with a shared purpose in our relationships. Workplace managers increasingly have large amounts of information about our performance that can be used to better support development.
The use of technology within teams leads to more specialized individual roles with a better division of labor among colleagues, or even across the labor market.
Author: Sara has been writing about a wide array of topics related to technology, parenting and relationship. She tend to cover most of its bases for the benefit of her readers.
