This is a challenging area. Most of the devices and apps that are used to track connections are just ways for people to flex on the number of followers or likes they have.
While we understand the marketing and business perspective of social media, there aren’t a lot of health benefits that we are aware of.
Most of the digital technology that is helpful with connections are the platforms that reduce the friction to connect. In general, chat platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and similar products have had a net beneficial effect on connecting; although, if you’ve spent hours on Zoom meetings you might have a different take.
Similarly, communication platforms such as Discord and Teams have powerful tools for communication and collaboration and will undoubtedly play a role in our work and social lives in the years to come.
When it comes to the Metaverse, things are more controversial. Perhaps there will be a time and place where your avatar can hang out with your tribe’s avatars, or maybe it will worsen the tenuous connections that the modern world has created. Time will tell.
