"La tecnología nos conecta con nuestras raíces, sin importar la distancia."

"Technology connects us to our roots, no matter the distance."

The internet has become a lifeline for several aspects of our daily life, including conexión cultural. This is especially true for the 62.5 million Hispanics living in the United States, who make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population. According to Statista, over 97% of U.S. Hispanics used the internet as of September 2023, and 91% owned a smartphone in 2023. These statistics make U.S. Hispanics one of the most connected demographic ethnic groups in the country. 

This high level of connectivity is reshaping how Hispanics engage and re-engage with their culture. It has enabled them to celebrar tradiciones (celebrate traditions), share experiences, and preserve their heritage like never before. 

In this blog, we will explore some specific ways technology and the internet help Hispanics stay connected to their roots in a fast-changing world. With just a few clicks, it is easier than ever to access traditions, language, and community. From streaming Spanish-language shows to supporting Hispanic creators, these tools truly bridge the gap for Hispanics away from home:

• Streaming Spanish-Language TV and Movies

Thanks to the internet, streaming platforms like Netflix, Peacock, ViX, Hulu, Pluto TV Live, and HBO Max feature extensive libraries of Hispanic origin and Spanish-language content. These streaming services are available across a wide range of devices. The movies and TV shows available on these platforms range from classic films to the latest telenovelas. 

To fully enjoy this experience, a reliable internet connection is a must. Spectrum Internet ensures smooth streaming without interruptions, making it the perfect partner for staying connected to your cultural roots. Plus, Spectrum servicio al cliente en español is available for assistance regarding internet service.

Moreover, Spanish-language TV shows and movies are a stamp of traditional Spanish culture. They not only entertain but also keep you connected to Spanish phrases, idioms, humor, and cultural nuances.

Recommendations

• Check out series like La Casa de Papel or Amores Perros.
• Look for platforms offering Hispanic shows for diversity in your media library. Sling Latino is a streaming service that offers 6 Spanish plans to choose from.

• Learning and Sharing Recipes Online

Food is at the heart of Hispanic culture. Getting the aroma of your mother’s traditional food first thing in the morning is a staple experience for Hispanics growing up.

Online communities dedicated to food have made it easy to learn recetas tradicionales (traditional recipes) or share your family’s special dishes that have been passed down for generations. This offers Hispanics away from home a chance to connect with their cultura (culture) deeply.

Don’t be stingy with your abuela’s recipe either!

Where to start:

• Watch cooking tutorials on YouTube by Hispanic chefs.
• Join Facebook groups where members exchange recipes like tamales, paella, or empanadas.

• Using Social Media to Engage with Hispanic Communities

According to a 2023 study, 60% of the respondents reported using Facebook, making it the most popular social media platform among US Hispanics. Additionally, 58% reported using YouTube, 48% favored Instagram, and 25% used Snapchat.

These statistics show that US Hispanics are widely connected through redes sociales (social media) platforms. The average US Hispanic spends an average of 2.74 hours daily on social media.

These social media platforms are home to many Hispanic communities that aim to engage with each other through their shared culture. Digital memes on social media, for example, provide a medium of cultural connection for US Hispanics.

U.S. Hispanics report using social media to connect with Hispanic music groups, actors, comedians, brands, TV programs, athletes, etc.

Where to begin: 

• Follow pages dedicated to Hispanic traditions, music, or history.
• Use hashtags like #LatinxHeritage to discover posts and pages.

• Listening to Spanish-Language Podcasts

Podcasts are no doubt one of the dominant media types in today’s world. They are an excellent way to stay in touch with your language and culture. The best part is you can listen to them while traveling or relaxing. Podcast topics range from news and history to comedy and entertainment.

You can find several podcasts that are delivered entirely in Spanish to stay connected to the language.

Popular choices:

• Choose Radio Ambulante for storytelling from across Latin America.
• Choose Entiende Tu Mente for self-improvement from a Hispanic perspective.

• Accessing Virtual Spanish-Language Classes

Learning a new language in today’s world is a matter of a few clicks on your smartphone.

If you want to improve or maintain your Spanish fluency, online platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone offer tailored lessons for learners of all proficiency levels.

Why it matters:

• Keeping your Spanish fluent is key to passing it on to the next generation.
• Attending language classes can also help you learn specific dialects or regional phrases as well as keep up with the changes in the language that naturally happen with time.

• Key Takeaways

We are far past the time when the benefits of the Internet can be denied. One of the major pros of today’s connected world is that it has made it easier than ever for U.S. Hispanics to stay connected to their roots. From streaming Spanish media to engaging with Hispanic culture online, US Hispanics can embrace their culture by utilizing the Internet.