Apple’s iPhone 4 only comes in one of two color options; Black and White. Did Apple’s designers just decide for a simple and chic look of sophistication? Or is there more to it than that? Made popular by literary figures, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his infamous novel, “The Scarlet Letter” the contrast between white and black carries more implications than just aesthetics that imply sophistication. Really it’s a contrast between good and evil. Now, I’m not trying to be presumptuous in implying that Apple’s designers really were aiming creating a contrast between good and evil in their iPhone designs, I’m using it as an avenue to discuss the varying views of the public on the impact of some technologies.

Simply put, the youth is constantly berated for being too involved in Social Media. Critics of Social Media have made claims that these online platforms are ruining our social skills, and cause us to lose touch with real face-to-face interactions. But I disagree wholeheartedly. I believe Social Media offers much more than what the critics see. I admit there is a very different social dynamic between online conversations and texting, than an actual phone call or in-person meet up. But they just require minimal adaptations to each social setting.

Rather, my perception on the benefits of Social Media could not be greater. As a recent college graduate, I have found it hard to keep in touch with some of my greatest friends as our careers have taken us on different paths. As a result, I’ve found that some of the people I care about most are beyond reach of constant face-to-face interaction, and phone calls would take up hours of time that I simply don’t have and I know my friends can’t afford. In fact, two of the people I enjoy talking to most are spread out across different states. One is attending grad school in Washington D.C. while the other is doing the same close to Philadelphia, while commuting from New Jersey. But to be without speaking with them would be unbearable!

Now with Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus’s Video chat, we can watch our favorite TV shows together, and laugh about the latest actors on SVU that we both despise. And it’s almost as if the miles between these long lost friends disappear. And with the amazing advances in mobile technology and the ability to utilize all of my social apps, it’s almost as if my friends are with me wherever I go. And for that reason, it’s no wonder the mobile app market is in such high competition. In the past year alone, mobile app store powerhouses, such as Apple, Android, and Blackberry have grown almost unbelievably by 111%, 544%, and 268% respectively.

This information was provided by an amazing mobile app store infographic done by WebpageFX, a company specializing in internet marketing and SEO packages. Even more so, these app stores are making a killing with reported revenue in 2010 amounted to $5.2 billion. All of which I feel is justified by the fact that more and more individuals are realizing the priceless benefit of staying close with the people they care about.