Stefana Broadbent-TED Talk #8

Through this video, Stefana Broadbent wished to share that despite popular beliefs, social networking sites and technology may be increasing intimacy rather than depleting the use of human contact. Although face-to-face human interaction is not included in this type of communication, Broadbent believes that technology gives one more opportunity to communicate with friends or family. Through our advancing technology, people are able to keep in contact with loved ones despite their location or environment. Social networking sites such as Facebook enable one to communicate with other easily and without much conflict. Technology such as cell phones and computers, and different programs, specifically Skype, allow friends and family to communicate conveniently and quickly despite their distance. In reality, Broadbent shares, these new ways of communication increase interaction rather than decrease it.
Throughout Broadbent's TED Talk, she shared photos of people who they believed they communicated with most. These photos created an opportunity to personally connect to the information as well as the stories being told. Her story telling also engaged the audience throughout her speech. As Daniel Pink states, the usage of stories allows one to personally connect and better remember the information they're being told. I believe through these methods, Broadbent was able to add depth to her speech, rather than just stating her opinion on the topic. Also during the speech, she used minimal hand gestures and remained focused on her topic. Despite the occasional language issue of the Swiss native, remained dedicated to her ideas and didn't stray from the main idea. This ability to maintain engagement of the audience proved useful during her TED Talk.
I believe this video's contrasting views with the majority of the public has the ability to create discussion and provides a controversial view on modern technology. These new ideas portray the opposing views on whether technology in modern society is beneficial to our social interactions. These new studies have the ability to provoke a new perspective on communication. I believe if everyone acknowledged these ideas, as a society we could progress to make these sources of communication more beneficial. By believing and supporting these new methods, we would be able to develop the level of communication in our society. As Broadbent states, the amount of communication in our world has increased in the previous years because of this technology. If we decide to ignore its abilities, an important piece of our society's success may be lost. Personally I agree and disagree with Broadbent's views. Although this technology does enable loved ones to communicate conveniently over long distances, it also secludes us to our computers or cell phones. Personally, I can say that I spend more time planning events with friends over Facebook or texting than actual face to face interaction. It gives our society an excuse to seclude ourselves, which may ultimately be a down fall. On the other hand, these methods also provide many opportunities in education. Skype and other social networking sites, such as blogger, allow students the ability to interact with each other in a class room while bringing incorporating outside sources into the discussion, such as our fish bowls. I believe this helps students become more involved and knowledgeable about the outside world. Overall, I personally think that Broadbent's ideas are revolutionary as well as controversial, showing both benefits and disadvantages in today's technology.