How does technology effect the way we interact with others? Clearly it does in many fashions, however, it is unfortunately the case that, we, as a society, are frequently playing “catch-up” in our social policy to the technology available to us (a game we consistently lose).

In particular, there are two topics I’d like to touch on. The first is intellectual property, the second being cellphones.

With the RIAA/MPAA on their rampant war paths to destroy individuals, it’s no wonder most people have at least a vague understanding of what is going on right now with digital copyright infringement. With the  recent Piratebay Verdict, some think that a major step backwards has been taken. However, if anything it shows how corrupted the processes behind these trials are. Even now, appeals are being made due to the potential of the trying judge in that case.

Television and Radio both started as pirate broadcasts, in many ways, the internet is no different, and we need to learn how to integrate that into our societal norms.

Secondly, cellular phones. They have become almost an integral part of our lives. Many of us don’t have landlines anymore, simply because we don’t need to. Renny Gleeson, in this TED talk, makes some interesting points about cellphone behavior:

Renny Gleeson on antisocial cellphone habits

And he raises a valid point. It is interesting to see ways in which a device that was meant to bridge the distance gap between individuals, and allow for improved communication, has actually become a means by which we become less social. I’ll admit, I have a hard time putting my phone down, or not checking my email/texts every 5-10 minutes (sometimes sooner if I’m expecting something important), and really this needs to change.

Like the age old saying from Spiderman, where Peter’s uncle Ben tells him “with great power comes great responsibility”. With new levels of connectivity in our lives because of technology, we need to teach ourselves how to better manage the balance in our lives between the interactions with technology, and our interactions with others.