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cheaper? yes. easier to approach? yes. More effective? hell no. Technical solutions to social problems are papering over cracks in our society at best. They tri

cheaper? yes. easier to approach? yes. More effective? hell no. Technical solutions to social problems are papering over cracks in our society at best. They trick us into thinking the problem is "solved" where we've just hidden the problem from view. Do you think you can really solve the loneliness problem for seniors by setting up a skype chat with a complete- or near-stranger? There's no depth to that relationship, no intimacy or realness, it's just more superficial social interaction. People need more than just a social check-in with random college students to feel fulfilled. volunteering to visit older people is already a thing. Yet loneliness in seniors continues to be a problem. Perhaps the direction we're taking as a society is wholly wrong? It's hardly the only social symptom.

lmm 8y ago
> Do you think you can really solve the loneliness problem for seniors by setting up a skype chat with a complete- or near-stranger? I think there's a better chance of solving it with that than by looking at "the direction we're taking as a society". (Note I'm not saying a good chance) > There's no depth to that relationship, no intimacy or realness, it's just more superficial social interaction. What does that even mean?
- beaconstudios 8y ago
  > I think there's a better chance of solving it with that than by looking at "the direction we're taking as a society". (Note I'm not saying a good chance) as I say, we can use tech to paper over the cracks. That's better than nothing, but it's not a great solution. We don't really have a way to solve societal issues yet. > What does that even mean? Do you think superficial social interactions relieve loneliness? Think casual bullshitting/small talk at work, on facebook, and so on. In my experience, the thing that takes away loneliness is real interaction with people you're close with. Talking about real issues that matter to you. It's basically what therapy is a substitute for. Do you think senior citizens talking to college students is going to provide this kind of deeply personal interaction, or something more superficial? I suspect the latter.

lmm 8y ago

> Do you think you can really solve the loneliness problem for seniors by setting up a skype chat with a complete- or near-stranger? I think there's a better chance of solving it with that than by looking at "the direction we're taking as a society". (Note I'm not saying a good chance) > There's no depth to that relationship, no intimacy or realness, it's just more superficial social interaction. What does that even mean?

beaconstudios 8y ago
> I think there's a better chance of solving it with that than by looking at "the direction we're taking as a society". (Note I'm not saying a good chance) as I say, we can use tech to paper over the cracks. That's better than nothing, but it's not a great solution. We don't really have a way to solve societal issues yet. > What does that even mean? Do you think superficial social interactions relieve loneliness? Think casual bullshitting/small talk at work, on facebook, and so on. In my experience, the thing that takes away loneliness is real interaction with people you're close with. Talking about real issues that matter to you. It's basically what therapy is a substitute for. Do you think senior citizens talking to college students is going to provide this kind of deeply personal interaction, or something more superficial? I suspect the latter.