Its official. I can’t live without connectivity and the ability to keep my mobile phone charged. When I got home to find my power was out (after a 12 hour day mind you), my first thought wasn’t – gee I hope my chicken stays frozen or hope when it comes back the surge doesn’t hurt my TV/ Fridge….NO NO….my first thought was “Crap! And my phone is on one bar of power.”
As I stood there on my staircase, laptop bag on shoulder and with my fading mobile in hand, I thought briefly on the fact that 10 years ago, getting home to find no electricity would likely inspire vexing thoughts of missing favourite television shows (I have always been a TV junkie) or terrible thoughts of icey showers (ok, just lukewarm as I live in the Caribbean). Instead, there I stood, irritated because my connectivity was at risk. I was more scared to bot be connected to Friends and Fam by mobile or via social media than I was about losing what is indeed about $1000 of meat and good cheese that I keep stocked in my freezer and fridge (Ok, its not a$1000 its more like $100 because I like to cook but have not been hitting the superamarket as I should).
That begs a question. What powers you? Is it emotional and physical connections or do digital connections work just as well? When your day ends and the chips are down – do you need a hug or a charged computer and fast wi fi connection?
In my life nothing substitutes the power of a good hug and understanding. Affection is my addiction. HOWEVER *clears throat* – in the hours it takes for real life connection to begin…PARTNERS!!! (Trinidad slang) I want my social media! *stomps foot…throws tantrum….remembers people state this behavior is typical of only children like me….wipes tears and regains educated posture…*
While human connectivity cannot be discounted, there are numerous studies on the supplementary nature of social media. Being “alone” has new meaning in a world that is “always” online. A study Kraut et. al in 2002 for example found that internet usage had positive impacts on well being and social involvement.
In times of power failure should we thus expect emotional break downs? My gander is yes. I asked a group of friends (all female and all early 30s) what they could tolerate more – 3 days without water or 3 days without electricity/ internet. The results were clear – we are a bunch of dirty girls who like to stay powered up!
For all its worth, I prefer to have both water and electricity…*goes to online banking…must…stay…connected!*