Skype's call to humanity
Skype is releasing a $12 million dollar marketing campaign in which it criticizes both Twitter and Facebook. The ads state that using Skype will actually keep one in touch with humanity, because you can see faces and emotions and hear the voices of those you're keeping in touch with.
Although Skype is more personable than Facebook or Twitter, Sonia Paul brings up a valid point about the hypocrisy of the claim in her article, "Skype Slams Facebook and Twitter in New Ads." Paul reminds us that even though Skype keeps us closer to "humanity" it is still a social and virtual platform for communication.
As a part of the marketing campaign to keep humans more involved by using Skype rather than Facebook and Twitter, a twitter feed was established (#timeforskype). In addition, ads were also placed on both Facebook and Twitter for promotional purposes.
Paul states the hypocrisy and irony of Skype's new campaign, but also claims that it may be a wake up call. Social networks are becoming ever present in our lives and may even be replacing actual human interactions. Claiming that social sites are "degrading humanity" may not be that far off from the truth.
As you by now know, I am from Massachusetts and living in Texas. I use social media to stay in touch with my family and friends back home - obviously I'd love to see them in person, but air fare is expensive and time is precious. To fill the void I keep up with whats going on in their lives with Facebook and Twitter. When I have something exciting or urgent to tell them I'll call them or use skype, but most often you'll find me texting or writing on someone's wall to remain close.
I agree Skype may be more personal, but I think that social networks are enabling our interactions to span a greater distance and keeping relationships alive that would have otherwise dissipated with time.