Does Google Glass Make Ties Weaker or Stronger?

Google Glass is a huge topic, not just in our class, but also around the word.  I think that Google Glass is the coolest thing to hit the shelves because it is a brand new technology that is futuristic and helpful.  I don't see the Google glass, however sweeping off the shelves because, although it is really cool the only feature that is worth having is the video camera, which cannot be used often.  Google Glass is ideal for bloggers, or those with interesting lives, but for those with not such an interesting like, how else would we utilize it?  Additionally , creating these Google. Glass only gives the option to share an experience.  Sharing first-hand experiences and moments are one the most intimate moments a person could share with another.  It creates insiders and reminiscences.  Is Google Glass creating weak ties or strong ones?

I found the concept of weak and strong ties fascinating because there is not only very truthful, but it is also very shameful.  There are plenty of people I have befriended on Facebook after only meeting them once.  I know that deep down in my heart, no matter how many times we chat each other, or tag each other in pictures and statuses, that we will never truly be friends.  When on Facebook, it is common to tell someone that I miss you, but with the concept of weak and strong ties in my mind, is that truly a sincere remark?  Especially if you have only met face to face once.  It also got me thinking of what consitutes a weak and strong tie.  Gladwell defines weak ties as this:

The platforms of social media are built around weak ties. Twitter is a way of following (or being followed by) people you may never have met. Facebook is a tool for efficiently managing your acquaintances, for keeping up with the people you would not otherwise be able to stay in touch with. That’s why you can have a thousand “friends” on Facebook, as you never could in real life.

He has a point.  A strong tie he defines are knowing someone as more than an acquaintance. He uses the example of the civil rights movement event, The Greensboro Sit In, to explain that the boys were as motivated as they were because of they knew each other and had a strong bond.

I wonder that if Google Glass is making strong ties by giving the public a first-hand insight into your life and the life of others.  Watching the video of Google Glass made me feel as though I shared a special exciting moment with these people.  Not only do I not know these people personally, but I don't even know what they look like.  When you post your Google Glass video to a social network like Facebook or Twitter, will that be opening the door to more intimate times with your thousands of Facebook friends, or will that be spreading the friendship thin and ending in shatters?  In the video featured, one man sends his picture to two specific people instead of a whole social network.  In this way the Google Glass seemed to be a lot more intimate.  Sharing something with the Google Glass makes it seem as though the owner wishes that you were with them.

There are limited features for the Google Glass, but I think that the video recording and sharing will be the most popular.  I cannot make a decision on whether or not the Google Glass makes a relationship a strong or weak tie but if I would have to decide then I would say that it creates weaker ties on social networks because it is as if it is the most advance check-in service or tweeter ever.  Sharing something personal, like first-hand ties can be a very big step, but if it is received wrongly by someone on your friend's list then it could be dire.



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