Saturday, February 9, 2008

iphone + facebook... how much cooler can one commercial get?

You might have seen this apple commercial recently.



I find it very interesting for a few reasons.

1. Clearly, they are targeting active facebook users. As facebook continues to evolve (on what feels like a daily basis,) it seems that users are spending less time using this social network. I think its particularly interesting that this commercial is all about facebook, and more specifically, the need to "check facebook" everywhere you go, all the time. I'll admit it, I am one of these people. Apple does a great job reaching out to high school and college students. But, why is this commercial being aired after the holiday season? Didn't students just buy (or get) their expensive gifts of the season? With no drop in price, why is this demographic being targeted? and are people being swayed by this commercial? Is anyone sitting, watching TV and suddenly they realize that because they can check FB they are gonna go and buy this product?

2. Here is my big big big question. NOW, DON'T HATE ME...but I've been troubled by this idea.

DO WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY BE IN CONTACT?

This is something that has really been plaguing me recently.
My dad has decided that he no longer needs to be attached to his PDA.
I had a blackberry for approx. a month and returned it because when push came to shove, I just didn't need it! (GASP!)
The thing is, do we need to be so damn connected?

When I am home I always have my computer handy. Weather I am playing online, facebooking, etc. But, do I need to do that when I am away from my computer?
Can't we survive without facebook and email for an hour?

*Note: I do plan on getting an iPhone soon. Clearly, I am obsessed. I have been waiting for the second generation waiting for them to get all the kinks out. If anyone can tell me when it will be out, I will be forever grateful.

thank you.