The generation of today is closely connected to friends across the world and there is little doubt that advancement has created a change in how people socially interact. However, the question remains whether the use of such technology have affected old family ties?
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and hand-held devices such as BlackBerry phones and iPhones, have replaced traditional ways of meeting and greeting people. People no longer need to pick up the phone to call relatives and friends to congratulate them on a newborn, or at occasions such as Ramadan. They simply post messages on their Facebook walls.
Sultan Saleh, a 32-year old IT specialist, said that some people prefer to stay connected through social media sites or hand-held devices such as BlackBerry phones.
He added that people have been using modern technology to greet others for quite some time. “This same argument was mentioned when people first sent … text messages to one another from their mobile phones instead of calling or visiting,” he said.
Saleh believes that the issue is one of preference. “For example, most adults still prefer to make telephone calls instead of sending text messages in Ramadan or Eid. Younger people don’t care as long as the message is received,” he added.
Technology-savvy Omar Al-Johani, a 27-year-old engineer at Saudi Aramco, said that social networking sites and other forms of modern technology have not negatively impacted social ties but strengthened them.
“Short status updates on Facebook, Twitter or BlackBerry phones keep people more connected. It’s just a new way and something different that people have to cope with. It’s normal for people to feel a bit reluctant at first. This form of technology, at least for the older generation, is out of their comfort zone,” he said.
Al-Johani believes there is no social edict on how someone should keep in touch with his or her family members. “You go by your heart and with whatever way you see fit and feel comfortable with. Be it a visit, a phone call, a Blackberry message, a text or a tweet,” Al-Johani said.
In our day and age, life is pretty busy and people barely have time to get what they want done, he said. “I have roughly more than 300 people in my family and social circle. If I try to call each one at Eid, and assuming that an average phone call takes two minutes, then I would need roughly 10 hours and I can’t fathom how anyone could possibly stay that long on the phone for a single occasion in their lives, let alone for recurring occasions,” Al-Johani said.
Somaya Abdul Qadir, a 29-year-old Saudi student in Washington, said many students abroad live on tight budgets, and that BlackBerry phones, which are affordable in the US, and Facebook are great for staying in touch with old friends and relatives.
“As students, these new types of technology have benefited us. When it comes to my parents and siblings I telephone them, but when it comes to relatives and friends, I use the Internet and my BlackBerry,” she said.
While the younger generation is busy tapping on keyboards and phones, the older generation prefers traditional phone calls.
Saad Jaber, a 59-year-old retired father of four, said he is fascinated at how his children use the Internet and other devices.
“I sent Eid greetings before to my family and friends but I still prefer to call. Talking to a relative I haven’t been speaking to for months makes me feel good. There’s no doubt that the computer or BlackBerry devices my children use are great but I’m old fashioned,” he said.
He also said that change is inevitable and he would never be against it. “I don’t think I will ever blog or have a Facebook account but I think these technologies have brought people together,” he said.