Watch Connected- An Autobiography About Love, Death, And Technology

Connected- An Autobiography About Love, Death, And Technology is a documentary film that explores the relationships between people, technology, and the world around us. The film was directed by Tiffany Shlain and starred co-director Leonard Shlain. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and has since become a cult classic.

The film opens with a personal introduction by Tiffany, who explains that she was inspired to make the film after her father, Leonard, was diagnosed with brain cancer. The diagnosis made her reflect on the ways in which technology has changed our lives and our relationships with each other.

The film is divided into sections that explore different themes related to technology and human connection. These themes include the history of communication, the impact of technology on our brains, and the power of networks and communities. Throughout the film, Tiffany uses her own personal experiences to illustrate these themes and connect them to larger societal issues.

One of the major themes of the film is the history of communication. Tiffany explains how humans have always sought to connect with one another and how our need for communication has driven technological innovation. She explores the development of language, writing, the printing press, and the internet, showing how each new form of communication has had a profound impact on society.

Another major theme of the film is the impact of technology on our brains. Tiffany uses examples from neuroscience to explain how technology is changing the way we think and process information. She discusses the phenomenon of "continuous partial attention", where people are constantly switching their focus between different tasks and are unable to fully engage with any of them. She also looks at the ways in which technology is affecting our memory and our ability to form and maintain relationships.

Throughout the film, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of connection and community. She argues that, despite the proliferation of technology, we are still social creatures who need human contact and interaction. She shows how networks and communities can be powerful tools for positive change, citing examples such as the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street.

The film also explores the theme of mortality and the role that technology plays in how we deal with death. Tiffany details her father's battle with brain cancer and how it affected her own thinking about life and death. She discusses the ways in which technology can help people cope with death, citing examples such as online memorials and social media tributes.

Connected- An Autobiography About Love, Death, And Technology is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of the ways in which technology is changing our lives and our relationships with each other. Through personal stories, historical context, and expert interviews, Tiffany Shlain makes a compelling case for the importance of human connection in a world that is increasingly defined by technology.

Connected- An Autobiography About Love, Death, And Technology is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.