10 Digital Era Truths

This post reminds readers – especially technology hold outs – of Digital Era truths that individuals, organizations, and communities must accept and (eventually) embrace.

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Like many active technology users, I take its integration into my life for granted. But I’m often reminded that most people do not embrace it the same way I do. In particular, many people still love to disparage social media, especially social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. I regularly hear disdainful comments about what vast wastelands they are, full of vapid, narcissitic oversharing about what people had for lunch and other banalities. Like many prejudicial statements, the criticisms contain an element of truth, but that doesn’t mean they accurately reflect reality…

I recently wrote a blog post about the vital role new technologies played in the planning and execution of my summer vacation, a road trip in the American West. This post builds on that one by recasting my reflections in broader terms. The following Digital Era truths extend beyond tourism and are important not just for individuals and organizations, but also the communities in which they’re embedded.

TRUTH 1: Interacting via social media and other digital technologies is not a substitute for “real life” interactions. In the Digital Era, it IS real life.

TRUTH 2: Digital communication should not be viewed as an adjunct to other communication forms; rather, it should be fully integrated into the ways in which we connect with others.  We should rely on ALL forms of media – both traditional and new – to achieve our goals and enhance our experiences.  

TRUTH 3: Time spent in cyberspace is no more a waste than time spent on any other activity that brings people pleasure and enriches their lives. The value of the time spent should be determined based on a person’s own goals and objectives – and not the judgments of others.

TRUTH 4: At a fundamental level, digital technology doesn’t dramatically alter what we do, but it does give us “new tools for doing old things” (the SMinOrgs tagline). The idea isn’t to use the new tools just because they’re shinier and everyone else seems to love them. We should use them because they allow us to accomplish things in better ways by enabling us to access a wider range of (more current) information, minimizing bulk, reducing paper production, etc.

TRUTH 5: Digital technology can increase both efficiency and effectiveness. Most activities can be planned and executed via traditional means, but doing so can often take more time and limit flexibility. Traditional approaches can also inhibit the serendipity, immediacy and intimacy of our experiences.

TRUTH 6: Its benefits notwithstanding, we shouldn’t become overly reliant on digital technology and lose our ability to rely on more traditional media - sometimes you gotta kick it old school. Flexibility and adaptability may be better markers of a Digital Era sophisticate than someone who voraciously consumes new technologies.

TRUTH 7: The more we all engage with digital technologies, the more we all benefit. Technology isn't a cure-all and there are certainly challenges, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. In addition to pursuing opportunities, we must also address challenges. Costs and risks are inevitable, but they shouldn't be used as an excuse to avoid progress.

TRUTH 8: The over-reliance on the distinction between “digital natives” and “digital immigrants” is counter-productive. Fluency is a state of mind, not a factor of chronological age. Anyone can be as digitally sophisticated as they choose to be.

TRUTH 9: The idea that digital technology levels the playing field is not a myth. Individuals and organizations of all sizes and types can benefit from enhancing their digital profiles. The biggest barriers to entry are self imposed.

TRUTH 10: The ability to leverage new technologies both strategically and tactically is important for organizations of all types, not just for-profit or consumer-oriented enterprises. These technologies have powerful implications for economies and communities of all sizes throughout the world. In addition to direct beneficiaries (e.g., commercial enterprises), we have to remember the indirect beneficiaries (e.g., governments, citizens) as well. Leadership is critical, not just from individual organizations, but from Chambers of Commerce and government too. We need to remember the interconnectedness of our communities and look at opportunities from a holistic perspective.

What would you add to this list?

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.

-  Courtney Shelton Hunt, PhD

 

For more on Digital Era leadership, see:

Digital Era Leadership: The Role of Business Schools

Digital Era Leadership: Opportunities for Cities, States, and Regions

 

Comments

[Sean]

Truth #7 hits the nail on the head: "The more we all engage with digital technologies, the more we all benefit."

I agree. Technology, like anything, has its "costs and risks", but the benefits are tremendous. Its a powerful way to connect the world. The nonprofit I work for, SeeYourImpact.org, uses it to connect with causes around the world.

Businesses, individuals, nonprofits, we all use it. I believe the world is better because of it.

[Chuck Bigelow]

Very good. I do believe that when it comes to digital technology communications we are becoming to groups or classes of people. Those who embrace it and use it frequently and those who don't.

It might be simlar to those who would not use a typewriter 100 years ago and continued to use long hand. Could they still communicate - of course, but they were much less effective

[Chuck Standfuss]

Truth # ____: Social Media and other digital technologies have become engines for social change. World events have been altered since the advent of these tools. Users of the technologies must remain vigilant against efforts to control the freedom inherent in unfettered communications. The "marketplace of ideas" has been transformed by social media and other digital technologies. However, "critical thinking" must also be applied by the user to judge the "truth" or "falsity" of available content.

[Courtney Shelton Hunt, PhD]

Thanks so much for your comments, Sean, Chuck, and Chuck. I appreciate all your insights!