The more I show my iPhone wallpaper to show inquisitive people what my girlfriend looks like, the more I’m realizing that the iPhone is like the new “wallet photo.” Technology is ever evolving and changing the way we socialize. While I’m not talking about tech nostalgia per se, but it does get me thinking about how certain things have changed the way we interact.
Going Out: In the trailer for the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine,” the kid is asking out a girl and asks how can she get in touch with them. He goes through all of his methods: text, email, cell phone. She finally says, “Come Find Me.” His reply would be the same as mine: “That sounds hard.” Even going back to when I was in college, we had cell phones but we still struggled to get in touch with the people that were out – texting was still relatively new. Now, I have Foursquare telling me where all my friends, acquaintances, and everyone in between are. Throw in Twitter, and I don’t actually have to actually engage with anyone to go out with them. Some people may find that weird, but the planned serendipity is nice- allowing me to just “wing” a night together and still end up hanging out with friends and having a lot of fun.
Apartment Hunting: Seriously, can you imagine looking for apartments without Craigslist? I can’t. It’s a one-stop shop. Sure, it’s the same as classifieds – except it brought it to the masses. Now, if an apartment is going to be rented, there will be an advertisement in Craigslist. It’s made it so easy to move that I couldn’t even tell you how people did it before.
Directions I was in Canada recently for a movie shoot (I know, I live such a fun life) and I didn’t sign up for the Canadian Data plan, so my iPhone was simply a cell phone. I felt lost. What did people do before GPS-enabled phones? I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do in New York without my Google Maps. It’s crazy to think that people used to live that way…that I used to live that way…but that just goes to show how technology changes behavior.
There are so many other ways that technology has changed my behavior. I would love to hear some of yours. Leave a comment below so we can discuss.
I love having my grandkids pic as my background photo, it is so easy to say, here look!
btw you are still a youngin' try hankering back to the days of Black and White tv and only 3 channels. LOL Now my gran daughter watches her show on HER iPod touch (she is FOUR!).
Haha, I have my dog as a pic. Single! Ha!
I relate to the maps thing pretty well — I didn't really need it until I came to California, though, where I get lost quite easily if I don't plan out my trip before I go.