There is an ongoing debate over how technology, and social media especially, have changed our lives. And one author and academic has explored how Facebook and YouTube have transformed soldiers' experiences when on the front lines of war. She says, "For most of us, clicking 'like' on social media has become fairly routine, but now for the first time in the history of modern warfare U.S. troops have direct, instantaneous connection to civilian life back home." On this week's Perspective program, a look at not only the impact of that instantaneous connection on a soldier in combat, but also the impact of technology on our lives in general.  

Guest: Dr. Lisa Silvestri is the author of "Friended at the Front: Social Media in the American War Zone," and professor of communication studies at Gonzaga University. 

Perspective is a weekly public affairs program hosted by Richard Baker, communications professor at Kansas State University. Perspective has been continuously produced for radio stations across the nation by K-State for well over six decades. The program has included interviews with dignitaries, authors and thought leaders from around the world. Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].