Does Social Media Mean The End Of Face-to-Face Interaction?
Pessimistic Babycakes at it again
A London-based photographer, Babycakes Romero, has taken upon himself to document 'the death of real-life conversation'. His black and white photographs eerily shows people glued to their smart phones, not looking at each other. The world and especially the media have taken this to mean that we are shying away from real-life interaction, preferring the comfort of our smart phones and online interactions. But does the growth of smart phone and social media usage really mean the end of face-to-face interaction?
Is that really the reality of our world? Or do these pictures document a biased image of the social media age? Before we panic about the situation and declare the death of face-to-face interaction, we should rationally think about it. Social media has completely revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. Keeping in touch with family and friends has never been easier, even if you were on the other side of the world. Before social media, you would've needed to write letters to keep in touch, but there never seemed to be concerns that letters would one day replace speaking to each other face to face.
Babycakes Romero, in an interview, stated that the inspiration behind taking these photographs was that he "saw how people used it as a social prop, to hide their awkwardness, to fill the silence, but as I continued to observe and document this modern phenomena, I felt that the devices were actually causing the awkwardness and the silence. They basically allow people to withdraw rather than engage." To some extent, this statement can be true, but not all face-to-face interaction is a positive experience. Sometimes, you just want to mind your own business and read your eBook without some creepy old man trying to chat to you on the train. Not everyone fancies small talk with everyone they cross paths with.
No need to panic, neither smart phones or social media networks are replacing good old real life chats.
 |
| Source: babycakesromero.com |
Babycakes Romero, in an interview, stated that the inspiration behind taking these photographs was that he "saw how people used it as a social prop, to hide their awkwardness, to fill the silence, but as I continued to observe and document this modern phenomena, I felt that the devices were actually causing the awkwardness and the silence. They basically allow people to withdraw rather than engage." To some extent, this statement can be true, but not all face-to-face interaction is a positive experience. Sometimes, you just want to mind your own business and read your eBook without some creepy old man trying to chat to you on the train. Not everyone fancies small talk with everyone they cross paths with.
 |
| Source: babycakesromero.com |
At the end of the day, I don't think anything will fully replace face-to-face interaction. There has always been these sort of concerns at the advent of anything form of technology. People were worried that television would replace radio. People were worried that newspapers would replace face-to-face interaction. None of these things have disappeared, they adapted to the changes around them and so will face-to-face interaction. There is still nothing better than having a chat with your friends or family in real life. As far as I know, children are not sitting at dinner tables texting their parents rather than telling about their day face-to-face.
No need to panic, neither smart phones or social media networks are replacing good old real life chats.
Laura is a recent graduate from University of East Anglia in Film and Television Studies, currently interning as a content writer but hoping to one day live off her writing. Follow her @LauraAtSMF.
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info http://socialmediacambridge.co.uk/.
Does Social Media Mean The End Of Face-to-Face Interaction?
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Rating:
Reviewed by Anonymous
on
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Rating:
Anonymous
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.