Can technology replace a hug?

January 24, 2009 in Technology with 9 Comments

There’s something to be said about all of the technology that we have at the touch of our fingers. We txt / tweet the most random and often boring aspects of our everyday lives. We have libraries of RSS feeds with blog posts that could fill many, many books. Our cell phones have become extensions of our very being. We have access to more information than ever before – but does all of this replace a face-to-face experience?

garyvee_hugs

Gary Vaynerchuk – @garyvee (of WinLibrary.tv fame) sent up a tweet the other day that really hit me.
“Was thinking about how many new tools there are to communicate but a hand shake or a hug still DOMINATES!” @garyvee

Months ago, my best friend decided to move back to his homeland of New Zealand and before this we lived miles apart in different cities, but at least in the same timezone.  The difference in time zones has placed a strain on us to be able to connect, and I have to admit that we don’t interact nearly as much as we once were, but technology has enabled us to stay in contact. Although there’s nothing that would be able to replace a hug from my friend!

I have to admit that there’s much that we can do with technology – but it doesn’t replace being face to face, or the power of a hug?  Does touch via technology – replace or deepen the bond that we have with those we are close to?

Post photo by: //amy// – titled: “Two of a kind“

About Brad: Brad is the Geek in charge here at PoweredProduction.com / A Father of Four / A Home Chef / And yes - that's a real mustache!

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9 Responses to “Can technology replace a hug?”

  1. human3rror January 27, 2009 at 2:32 am #

    hmm. "touch via tech"…? interesting…

    • big_b_rad January 27, 2009 at 2:46 am #

      Yes, touch via tech… But what level of touch can you experience without personal touch – I think that this has some deeper means when we start to talk about what Church Online looks like!

  2. human3rror January 27, 2009 at 2:32 am #

    i'm getting moderated…? ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! hehe.
    :)

    • big_b_rad January 27, 2009 at 2:37 am #

      And I have no idea why — you have more than one approved comment.. so strange!

      • human3rror January 27, 2009 at 2:43 am #

        because i'm a threat to your blog.

        :0

        • big_b_rad January 27, 2009 at 2:47 am #

          Yes, that's what it is… LOL! ^~~^

  3. Amanda January 27, 2009 at 6:15 pm #

    I think we immerse ourselves in the technology of connecting with others because it lets us connect to those we want to talk to or be around instead of who or what or where we actually are.

    • big_b_rad January 27, 2009 at 6:22 pm #

      So then the technology enables us to do this, but is it the same level of touch… I agree with you that we use the technology because it lets us connect, but is the same kind of connection?