It seems that, for everything technology does to connect us--via email, texting, online forums, social media, etc.--it also does something to divide us.
Much has been made, of course, of the "Balkanization" of the web from the political and cultural standpoints. But even offline technology can do that, particularly as we become accustomed to schlepping our Universes around with us in gadget form.
For instance, my husband and I arrived early at the restaurant where we were meeting my best friend for lunch. To pass the time, I pulled out my iPod to introduce him to the over-the-top fun of Wine Library TV. So we sat cheek-by-jowl, each with an earbud, watching it together. All wonderful and couple-cozy, certainly. But it begs the question: Why not install two output jacks in the iPod? The cost couldn't amount for more than an extra few bucks, considering the brisk trade Apple does in those things. Ditto for any portable AV media device, including laptops.
From a product marketing standpoint, I think it makes great gobs of sense. After all, didn't they teach you in kindergarten that the only thing better than having what you want is having someone to share it with? 'Spesh'ly when you really like to sit close to the share-ee. Although somehow they neglected to mention that part in my kindergarten. An oversight, no doubt... ;-)
