How to Preserve Traditions in a Technology-Oriented World?

Last weekend, I went to the cinema with my family to watch The Devil Wears Prada 2. While I can’t recommend the movie enough, this is not a film review, but rather an observation inspired by one particular scene. The movie explores multiple topics, and while watching it, one scene inspired the idea for today’s writing. There will be no spoilers, but the conversation between the two characters stayed with me long after the movie ended. “How do we preserve traditions in a world consumed by social media and technology?” is the question I asked myself.

…technology can sell products, but only tradition and human perspective can create culture.

The Clash in the Prada World

The movie criticizes rapid digitalization and AI, but at the same time fights for the preservation of traditions and heritage. Two opposing viewpoints clash throughout the movie. One side argues that traditions are a waste of time and that numbers and speed are more important. To achieve that, the first speaker highlights the need for complete digitalization and focuses on product distribution, while the other speaker prioritizes human vision and artistry.

Without history and tradition, we lose the depth and context of the past. And in the case of the movie, clothes are just pieces of fabric if they are made without human touch and observation. As the second speaker in the movie says: “If you are not a visionary, you are just a vendor.” With that sentence, the speaker makes it clear that technology can sell products, but only tradition and human perspective can create culture.

Between Technology and Human Connection

The evolution of technology has improved our lives in many ways, and mobile phones in particular have changed the way we live. Since smartphones became common, they have made everything instantly accessible, which in many ways accelerated our lives. Additionally, social media developed simultaneously.

However, social media and digital technology have also created addiction for many people, especially among younger generations. Never-ending scrolling and spending hours staring at blue screens have been linked to higher levels of anxiety and stress. Furthermore, smart technology has become the main form of communication, and while it can be great for long-distance relationships, it often causes feelings of loneliness, disconnection from the real world, and separation from one of our most primal needs - human connection.

Naturally, we crave stronger human bonds and a simpler life. Consequently, we try to become more present and intentional within our environments. But how do we reconnect with each other? By doing precisely that: being present not only with our families and friends, but also with our heritage.

Technology cannot replicate lived experience, emotional understanding, or human reflection; only people can.

There Is Still Hope

The conflict between the characters in The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a meaningful perspective on understanding history in today’s world. To be clear, we are not against technology; instead, we try to be intentional with it. We understand that AI can be useful for history in the sense that it can offer visual reconstructions of the past, though we strongly believe such tools should be used alongside historians in order to avoid mistakes and preserve historical accuracy.

However, AI and other forms of technology cannot replace human work. The meaning and emotional gravity of past events can only truly be understood by people and professionals. Technology cannot replicate lived experience, emotional understanding, or human reflection; only people can. That is why human work is still and will always be important.  

Open Dialogue

Technology should be used as a helping tool, not as a final product, and especially not solely in the name of profit. I believe there is beauty in the process and in the slowness that comes with it. As the film suggests, we must fight to preserve our traditions and heritage. Moreover, the movie’s characters emphasize the importance of visionaries and their ability to understand why something is worth preserving.

I’ll leave you with one question: Do you think traditions are worth preserving?

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Sources:

The Devil Wears Prada 2, 2026

Pansoni, Sofia, et al. “Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Heritage: Design and Assessment of an Ethical Framework.” International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, vol. XLVIII-M-2-2023, June 2023, Copernicus Publications, https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-2-2023-1149-2023  

Shao, Yijie. “The Impact of Digital Media on Modern Society and Culture.” Communications in Humanities Research, vol. 57, no. 1, May 2025, ResearchGate, https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/2025.22829  

Hou, Yubo, et al. “Social Media Addiction: Its Impact, Mediation, and Intervention.” Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, vol. 13, no. 1, Feb. 2019, article 4. DOAJ, https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2019-1-4