Technology IS Changing Culture - See The Film Connected

It was 5:37 am on Sunday morning and I was doing the usual - working and preparing for a busy week ahead. As I checked a great source of content @BrianSolis and slurped down a Cafe Latte I uncovered another kindred spirit. God I love the Internet.

In one of Brian's latest Revolution posts (no I didn't steal the term from him) he shared an interview with Tiffany Shlain on her latest film Connected . Please watch the trailer below, (the film is in theaters in the Bay Area now and opening in LA (9/30), NYC (10/14) and across the country. The "Autoblogography about Love, Death & Technology" explores what it means to be connected in the 21st century. To Watch the Trailer and Find out about Cities, Tix &  & Updates: http://on.fb.me/nyj26j )

In my lastest presentation on technologies impact on the future of the fitness industry, I shared the 2010 google zeitgeist video and asked the question of the audience - is technology changing our culture - bringing humanity together or not ? Would the world be worse off without the Internet ?

Technology is changing culture, whether for good or bad. More importantly, it is helping humanity, I believe, become more aware of its interdependence. Have YOU snuck off to the bathroom to read your emails lately ?

This is what Tiffany is trying to share and more in her film Connected. I really love the trailer and look forward to seeing the film and want to personally thank @tiffanyshlain for reaching out and "connecting" with me during her film promotion - she is a smart and creative lady.

Tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, what do you think about humanity and technology ? Do you think we are becoming more or less connected and why ? I'd love to hear your view.

Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financeer, shareholder and executive in several fitness and health club business service companies. He is also a partner in The Health Club For Women and Chairman of the Medical Fitness Association’s Education Committee. To learn more contact Bryan here today .

Technology and Fitness Facilities - Attend My October 14th Webinar

You might have read some of my postings on technology and fitness (check out my 2010 IHRSA presentation on Technology and the Future of the Fitness Industry along with other writings and the radio interview with  Michael Scudder). Happily I visited the IHRSA web site and came across Jean Suffin's article The Infinite Digital Domain. Here's a quote:

Once the prospect has been transformed into a dues-paying member, they can continue to make good use of the Website, conducting all sorts of transactions, including: signing up for classes and personal training sessions; checking their account; purchasing products; making dues payments, etc. In the process, they also avoid the pitfalls of phone tag, and, a benefit for clubs, don’t eat up valuable staff time.

Jean is right and the article shares a lot of great examples of organizaitons jumping in on the opportunity of delivering and interacting anytime and anywhere for their members. The implications to the industry, however, are vast and go beyond what the article covers, having a significant impact in the near term and long term. Think of the financial services industry and its transformation from the late 70's till today. How many of you still go to a bank on a regular basis  anyway?

Please consider attending my October 14, 2010 IHRSA webinar from 2:00 - 3:30 EST on Becoming More Competitive -- How the Industry is Changing and What to Do About It. Technology advancements and key business trends will be shared and hopefully help leaders make more informed assessments for their strategies.