The following video came across my inbox at school. Due to the role I carry as an ICT Lead Teacher I felt I needed to watch it – and if you are in a role similar to mine I encourage you… no, I recommend that you watch it also.
(To visit the site and view others comments follow this link: Sherry Turkle “Connected, but Alone?”)
I wanted to share this video here because I believe in the importance of relationships that connect at a deeper level. I also think this video accurately addresses the current concerns of how some use the internet.
From a Psychologist’s point of view Sherry Turkle raises concerns about communication, loneliness and where social networking could take us if we do not manage ourselves well or set up safe practices that we keep too.
I was pleasantly surprised at how she expressed optimism for what we can do and then left us with some helpful guidelines at the end. I’m not going to state them here as I think it is better that you listen to her talk. 
My final reflections are:
- We need to reflect on the depth of our relationships; how real are they? Are we trying to combat loneliness with social networking?
- Technology is a powerful tool for information, creativity, collaboration and connecting with others when we can’t do it face-to-face but we mustn’t use it to the detriment of our time with family and friends.
So what is my next step? As I lead the school in updating our internet safety procedures and putting together a new Digital Citizenship program for students, I want to have some conversations with others about including managing our time online and developing an awareness about the positive and negative impacts social networking can have on our relationships.
What are your thoughts?
