Brian Solis talks with Tiffany Shlain, filmmaker and Webby Awards founder about her latest film, “Connected: An Autoblogography About Love, Death, and Technology” premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.
A fascinating interview talking about the emotional impact of connectedness in which Brian Solis suggests that this era of social media is changing the dynamics of relationships. The film is about humans yearning to connect with one another. The interview is a stunning observation of where we are as a human race and in my view a very astute and important commentary of what is happening in the world right now.
We crave being emotionally linked with others and with technology we can now connect with those who have similar interests as opposed to familial and geographical ties which bind us to certain groups of people. I am constantly inspired by the thought that by connecting with those people who share my interests that my life is enriched. I too surround myself with people who are constantly helping me to move me forward. It is good to hear others expressing that too. I love Brian’s comment about surrounding one’s self by the students with whom we would like to graduate – and as we know – we are all at the University of Life, evolving, learning before finally emerging at the end of our days.
2 billion people are online and we live in an extraordinary era where technology has become an extension of ourselves. If you ask yourself which revolution would you want to live through and experience – the discovery of fire, industrial revolution or the one that we are experiencing right now with all the minds of the world being connected together? They both chose this era. I do too. What about you?
We are witnessing our species evolve at a phenomenal rate and when we truly appreciate the impact of our connectedness we can begin to understand just how phenomenal our development is. It is truly mind-blowing the potential that is at literally at our fingertips.
They talk about twitter fine tuning our thoughts to such an extent that 140 characters enables us to distil ourselves and our thoughts into the true essence of what we are about. When focusing on context and intention we are able create and curate content that in effect puts us in the centre of our own Universe. I like that.
I read another article somewhere which painted an inspiring image of the fact that we no longer have fixed locations in terms of websites that people visit but rather we are centres of information around which knowledge and people orbit. To me I see a constantly evolving landscape in which the colour, shape and smell of what we know moves as we become more aligned with who we are. The more connected we are the more knowledgeable we can become. Ultimately the more centred we our in ourselves the more likely we are to live fulfilled and satisfied lives experiencing the essence of what life really means to us. Technology is offering us a freedom like none other experienced before.
Tiffany’s goal is to trigger conversations about connectedness. What does it mean for us individually? What do we perceive it to mean for us globally? What do you think?
Would you sign a Declaration of Interdependence?
Brian Solis is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. A digital analyst, sociologist, and futurist, Solis has influenced the effects of emerging media on the convergence of marketing, communications, and publishing. Brian has led interactive and social programs for Fortune 500 companies, notable celebrities, and Web 2.0 startups.
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