The Digital Revolution has taken a bad rap. Every year, there is at least one day devoted to “tuning out and turning off” – that is, turning off the digital media, tuning out of the social media and engaging fully in face to face and real life interactions. It’s a valuable exercise, but it’s built on the notion that interactions that take place over digital media are inherently harmful to relationships. In fact, when used in the right way, social media and other digital tools can help you enhance your relationships and keep the spark of your love burning bright. Here are just a few ways that you can use today’s technology to help enhance your relationships and keep love alive, whether you’re far away from each other or in the next room.
Connect Through Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, instant messengers and other social media sites are communication tools that you can use in many ways to connect with your loved one throughout the course of the day. Instant messengers allow you to maintain a connection between you and your love that can be as strong as working at the next desk. Never underestimate the impact of a quick IM that says, “I’m thinking of you.”
Make Your Status Known
Much as been said about the fact that social media makes it easy to depersonalize your relationships, but tools like your Facebook status also serve as a powerful social signal. One of the most important moments in the early stages of a relationship is the moment you decide to announce yourself to the world as a couple. Your “In a Relationship” or “Dating” or “Totally Taken!” status serves the same purpose as showing off your ring or changing your last name. It announces to the world that you are a couple and sends a powerful signal to the person you love that you are proud of them and want to show them off.
Share Experiences Through Digital Media
Separation is one of the most difficult things for a couple in love. Telephone calls and letters, even emails and IM messages can only go so far. The world of digital media and digital television can make a weekly date night possible even if you’re both on opposite sides of the world. Simply queue up the same Pay Per View movie or video at a specified time, and watch it “together” while you’re on the telephone or in an online chat.
Digital communication is often seen as a tool of ecommerce, a for-profit scheme that depersonalizes the world and separates us from each other. Like any other tool, though, it all depends on the use. When you use it to communicate and connect, digital media can be a powerful tool for building and enhancing intimacy in love.
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