From Distraction to Real Life, Humanizing our Mobile Future

Computers and mobile phones bring magic into our lives. Everyday, on every street around the world, we can see the power that mobile interactive connected technologies are bringing to people, with the ability to shift time, shift place, bridge distance, extend memory - enabling people to shift and split their presence in new ways. New mobile applications such as mobile gaming, music, videos, chatting have succeeded in bringing us entertainment and connection wherever we want it. Sometimes, on a crowded street, it feels like people are almost falling into the wonderland on the other side of the screen.

What might some initiatives look like that bring us back and make us feel more connected to our right here right now? While many people are using the magic to walk around in two or more places, can these technologies help us be more present where we are? These efforts would help people be see their now, collaborate shoulder-shoulder and provide solutions to important life challenges, such as helping people learn, be close, be healthy, profit, and participate in community both far and near.