Tom Brokaw, speaking at University of Mississippi commencement ceremonies recently, made some poignant observations on the limitations of social media.
The respected journalist, author and former NBC Nightly News anchor told graduates that although smart phones and computers play big roles in their lives, many experiences transcend technology.
“No text will ever replace the first kiss,” Brokaw said. “No email will ever compete with the spoken phrase ‘I love you,’ I want to spend the rest of my life with you.’ No selfie can ever take the place of holding a first child moments after birth. Life will always be most rewarding when real, not virtual, emotions are involved.”
A couple days later, Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and editor at large for National Geographic Traveler, mentioned social media in another context in a column in USA Today.
Advising summer travelers to not let their guard down, he noted several ways to fall victim to identity theft by careless use of computers and smart phones. Such things as logging onto unsecured networks, leaving laptops that include sensitive information in public areas or hotel rooms, and giving out sensitive information like credit card numbers on cell phones loud enough for others to hear in airports or hotel lobbies were mentioned.
Some people have even been known to post an airline boarding pass on social media. Boarding passes can contain sensitive information, plus tipping off thieves that you’re away from home.
The solutions for a number of security woes are simple, Elliott advised. “Don’t shout out your phone number or credit card number in public. Don’t leave your electronics where they can be stolen. Don’t tweet your itinerary. In other words, don’t be your own worst enemy when you travel this summer.”
Technology and social media are as much a part of life today as graduation speeches, which are usually pretty quickly forgotten, and advice columns which often are ignored.
But Brokaw is right in suggesting that it be kept in perspective, and Elliott is right in warning that putting too much information on it can be dangerous.
