The Digital Human

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Aleks Krotoski explores the digital world

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Digital Human: Series 19: Connections

Connections

Series 19

BBC Radio 4 - The Digital Human, Series 19, Connections

Aleks Krotoski explores how the online space is changing our social connections.

Is there a tension between what we feel friendship is, and the way we’re doing friendships online?

For some time now Aleks has felt uncomfortable with the way friendships are performed online. There's something about the unspoken transactional expectation of a like for a like; the friend anniversary reminders; the laugh out loud-ness of it all.

The online world – rich with the communities she once loved and learned from, connections forged, old schoolmates rediscovered – has become increasingly empty as a space to perform "friendship".

So is there a tension between what we feel friendship is, and the way we’re doing friendships online?

Aleks explores if the tech we use accurately represents the values we hold dear in our relationships.  


Producer: Caitlin Smith

The Digital Human: Series 19

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Digital Human

Series 19

Connections

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4