About 10 years ago my relationship with computers was quite basic. Since we lived in the countryside, in southern Chile, there was only one computer and had no internet access. In my school, had just opened the computer room and we made some introductory classes. I had no mail or knew what it was Messenger (which would be the first social network that would have access below). The teachers also were learning to use them. All the notes, grades, list of students, annotations were in one book. Teachers sent communications to parents in writing in the notebook. That's when I started student exchange to Germany. Beyond the reality was not very different. There was no computer at home where I lived. The school had a computer lab, but could never access it. Communication with my family in Chile was on the phone once a week. We could speak five minutes, with prepaid cards. The rest, by letter. So I wrote to friends in Germany, USA and the family in Chile to stay in contact. Information took more than 2 weeks to be delivered. Only once I sent an email from a youth hostel in Berlin, to the only mail that I knew. He was a cousin two years younger. A whole technological adventure.
Almost three months ago I'm living outside of Chile again. But things have changed radically. Today it is more difficult to disconnect that connect. Not only can talk and see family and friends, but in real time. It is more difficult to make the break and live fully the new experience. Because relations have two parts. Not enough to take the decision of wanting to be a little off. You have people you love and requiring your physical presence to tell him to lunch.
It's weird. Produces mixed feelings. I'm missing something, being so aware of what happens far away?
I think the answer is YES. I miss the present, the here and now. But for those who are on the other hand, the answer is different. They may wonder less and feel closer. But they do not realize that it is a necessary step which must be separated a little bonding.
Internet helps you stay more connected. To communicate despite the distance and time has passed between two people. But this has a cost that has to be assumed.
You could say that 10 years ago, the means to communicate remotely with others were more rare, expensive and most appreciated. Today we are accustomed to a wide variety of communication channels, social networks, instant messaging. We use them daily and are part of our lives. How McLuhan predicted 30 years ago, media have become extensions of our bodies allow us to see in real time to people who are physically distant, talking to them, sharing special moments and everyday life. Each time the means we are more familiar and easy to use, as other previous mimic and enhance communication between people. And we cannot ignore, that since the beginning of mankind we have developed tools to be more connected. Prior to joining physically different places and make the transfer and the flow of information. Today, to come together virtually over the global network.
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