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iPhone Love: There’s always talk about how we are all attached at the hip to our smartphones, that we are addicted to them. But new research suggests that it’s not about addiction; it’s about love. Branding consultant Martin Lindstrom conducted an experiment using neuroimaging technology and found that when people heard or saw an iPhone, their brain activity resembled the same brain activity that is associated with very close human bonds. As Lindstrom writes in this New York Times piece:
For many, the iPhone has become a best friend, partner, lifeline, companion and, yes, even a Valentine. The man or woman we love most may be seated across from us in a romantic Paris bistro, but his or her 8GB, 16GB or 32GB rival lies in wait inside our pockets and purses.
Le sigh. If this is true, it’s just another sad marker of how much technology has not only changed the way we live, but also how our minds work. However, there is still hope. As Tal Yarkoni, a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado at Boulder, points out on his blog, Lindstrom’s research is not really conclusive and has a lot of flaws. NYT
Kim Jong-Il’s Grandson on Facebook: Kim Han-Sol is just a regular teenage kid from the looks of his Facebook page — except that he is the grandson of Kim Jon-Il and the son of Kim Jon-Il’s exiled eldest son, Jong-Nam. Han-Sol, like his father, seems to appreciate Western culture. He has a blog and Twitter account, lists American movies as some of his favorites and apparently prefers democracy over communism. The Chosunilbo
Tweet of the Day: A true meeting of the minds, Internet sensations Vanessa Black and Kreayshawn met for the first time, as you can see from this Twitpic that Kreayshawn posted. I smell a collaboration viral sensation in the works. The Daily Dot
Tumblr of the Day: Everyone who reads Digiday should also regularly check this Tumblr A Bajillion Hits as a supplementary source for social media marketing tips and digital media industry insight. You will find such gems as this list of tips on how to optimize your Twitter bio or this video on how to accept a Webby.
Don’t Forge to Log Out: Don’t leave your Facebook unattended, unless you want to make yourself a target for “Frape,” as HappyPlaces puts it; you know, Facebook Rape, when someone hijacks your Facebook and posts embarrassing status updates like these choice examples. HappyPlace
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