When redefining authenticity in Adam Gopnik's "Grid of Busyness," one needs to consider the busy world one lives in and the extent one will go to maintain relationships. Technology in the grid of busyness helps to foster relationships. Gopnik authored "Bumping into Mr. Ravioli." In Gopink's grid of busyness everyone is busy working harder, working longer just to increase productivity and, when possible squeezing in extracurricular activities. People who live in the grid of busyness are not focused on fostering relationships; they are focused on how much they can produce in a day. This doesn't mean that people who live in the grid of busyness don't value relationships or friendships. Indeed, they do, they just foster them differently from others. They use their phones and other forms of communication to foster relationships. The calls may not be lengthy and it may not be the same as meeting face to face to share a meal, but in the grid of busyness this is all that is offered.
The authenticity of how relationships are fostered is debatable. Can relationships be fostered using technology as a replacement for human contact? In some situations, it can and others it may not be enough. It depends on the individuals and the situation. Sherry Turkel authored "Alone Together." Her book is written about how technology offers us substitutes for connecting with each other face-to-face. (272) She states in her book, "We are lonely but fearful of Intimacy. Digital connections and the sociable robot may offer the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendships." (263) In my opinion technology makes it easier not to form a close bond with a person, and when one doesn't have the intrusions of personal intimacy it is easier to stay focused, work harder and continue to produce. Technology allows people to have control of their own lives. Gopkin might agree with Turkels statement, "We are lonely but fearful of Intimacy" for he himself stated, "We are instructed to believe that we are busier because we have to work harder to be more productive, but everybody knows that busyness and productivity have a dubious, arm's-length relationship." (156) Arm's-length relationships lack intimacy and friendliness, but this too can be debatable.
If humans find solace, comfort and even intimacy in technology this feeling one is experiencing is authentic. For example, Turkel is a trained clinician. She met this woman named Miriam in her office who was feeling depressed because her relationship with her son was estranged. Miriam has a pet baby harp seal name Paro; Paro is a sociable robot. She strokes Paro gently providing comfort to him. With each stroke she gives him, Paro purrs and gazes at her. She talks to him in a calming voice and he speaks back. She finds comfort in comforting Paro. The feelings she is experiencing are authentic. They are her feelings. They are coming from her heart and mind. Turkel states, "Her son had left her, and as she looked to ...
