Keep Me Posted Web Series: Effects Of Technology

In a society where people have gone mobile and family and friends are separated, it is encouraged to use the power of technology to stay in touch. In the new web series by Hillary Berkowitz Nussbaum, the Keep Me Posted web series is a story to explain the effects of texting and social media on our personal relationships, from the perspective of three separated friends. The series feature a strong and diverse female trio, along with an all-female team in the making of the production. The co-producers are inspiring millennials behind Pitch Her Productions, a non-profit production company committed to advancing women in film and media.

Technology has personalized it’s way into our lives in allowing us to connect through photos, videos, and text. The application of technology to create and maintain relationships between people have become its main source of usage. In 2015, 76% of adults online used some resource of social networking sites. In Keep Me Posted web series, the female friends use these devices in order to stay together. The web series connects with all of us, seeing that the relation is heavy in this story. We all use technology for some form of connection, the Keep Me Posted web series is focusing on that value. 

For women in film and media as well as modern consumers of technology, Hillary Berkowitz Nussbaum explains more about the Keep Me Posted web series:

What is Keep Me Posted?

Keep Me Posted is a three-part web series that takes a biting look at the impact of texting and social media on our closest friendships.

What is Keep Me Posted emphasizing?

The series highlights the gap between the frequency of our communication and the quality of it – even if we’re constantly talking to our closest friends, we’re not always connecting with them. Sometimes it’s easier to skirt around difficult subjects than to discuss them, and that can be damaging to a friendship.

Who is Keep Me Posted mainly targeted for?

The prominence of texting and social media definitely skew to a more Millennial audience, but the series’ other themes – familial expectations, depression, friendship growing pains – still resonate with those who didn’t grow up with smartphones.

What is Keep Me Posted goal and mission?

We want to tell a grounded, honest story in an entertaining way, and to spark some important conversations about depression, self-doubt, and communication. We also want to highlight the skill and dedication of our incredibly talented cast and crew!

Why a story on cell phones?

They’re everywhere! Originally, cell phones were just going to be part of the series – a way to accurately represent the way people in their mid-20s interact with each other. But as I developed the concept for the series, the phone’s kind of took over, and I ran with it. Nearly everyone I know has a story of a friendship damaged by texting or social media. Some stories are extreme, others superficial and silly, but all made me realize just how much those things influence the way we relate to each other.

Why choose the series to be a comedy?

Life’s little absurdities are inherently comedic, and this story is one that really lives in those small moments.

How does Keep Me Posted fit into society today?

It’s an honest look at the way we live now, the way we interact. We know that Facebook friends aren’t necessarily real friends, it’s no secret that celebrities and influencers carefully curate their online presence. But I haven’t seen much that touches on the way actual friends relate via texting and social media, and I wanted to explore that dynamic onscreen.

Who can relate to this story?

Anyone who’s ever used a smartphone! But seriously, I think most people can relate to the impulse to be a little bit extra-chipper in a text message, or to post a photo that makes a situation look better than it is. We all have things we’re struggling with, and it’s so easy to hide those struggles behind a screen.

Will this motivate or influence others? How?

I hope so! I want the series to remind everyone that even though we may want our social media presence to be impeccable, we still need to be honest and vulnerable with those closest to us. I hope it inspires people to speak up about whatever it is they’re struggling with. And I hope it motivates people to create their own work, to tell the stories that are important to them.