I have a recurring todo on my Things app to "Reach out to Across the World friends." It's set to pop up every 2 weeks. Its purpose? Serve as a reminder to keep my friendships kindled. I've been lucky to meet some amazing people in my life, many who live in different countries. Perks of living in the 21st century--we can not only stay in contact but remain friends with people across the globe. And all it takes is a short message or a quick call to connect.

In talking to people living in a completely different environment, we can maintain exposure to unique perspectives that would normally be impossible without living those experiences firsthand. Even talking to an American living in another state can widen our point of view or change our attitude. Modern technology makes possible something simple yet profound.

We might not be having reality-defying conversations with people in other locations in the Metaverse yet, as Lex Fridman and Mark Zuckerberg recently did. I'm sure the ramifications of the proliferation of such technology will bring even more change. But it's cool to know that right now, virtually anyone can connect with another person across the world in real time. And I believe it's our connection to each other, and to our collective humanity, that will truly change the world. To making across the world friends.