HOW DO YOU IMAGINE SOCIAL INTERACTION WITHIN 10 YEARS TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON HUMAN RELATIONS?BY GINA SALGADO

IE BUSINESS SCHOOL –APPLICATION

• Technology has inevitable transformed the world throughout history. As it is part of life and our evolution, it has immensely advanced during the past decade. Cellphones, I-phones, PlayStations, X-boxes, Smartphones..... INTERNET, they are all now part of our everyday life. Ten years ago I could not have imagine the impact it would have on society today.

When I think of the "Better Times" my mind goes back to my childhood. It takes me back to my happy place -playing soccer in the streets of my neighborhood- it’s a place where cellphones and computers were not the main entertainments. It took many chores, like washing dishes, cleaning my room and finishing homework; all done with such rush and excitement to have that moment- me, my soccer ball and my street friends were the only thing that mattered. Although I was not aware of the news and stories happening elsewhere; I was present and enjoying every moment with my loved ones. We took pictures that were not able to be seen right away, they probably took months before we developed them. We played a game without keeping score and we surely share those adventures among ourselves.

Growing older meant things changing. Along came more and more technology. The fascinating internet that allowed contact with people all over the world. It made it possible to keep closer to those far away. We are now able to capture and instantly "share" every moment as we are living it.  Technology has many advantages, we are able to search about any subject and also get perspective from people of different cultures. We can shop without driving to stores. We are able to pay bills skipping those waiting lines. We meet people every day from everyplace.

• However, is keeping closer to those far away, separating us from the ones sitting next to us? 10 years ago I would not have been able to imagine the world we live in today, but if I can imagine it another 10 years from now; I would love to think of a world that has gone back to the basis. Technology is important but our human interaction shall be more. I imagine kids playing in the streets and enjoying the game of life. I want to see families sitting at a restaurant with their phones away and the only "share" should be the moment we are at, with the people that we are with.