Why do we even want to be in a creepy digital relationship with our grandma? I used to think like you, then one day I realized that the real life is outside, I began calling my aunties, visiting them, and also created a Whatsapp group so the big family can have fun & share updates.
You do realize Whatsapp is owned by FB, right? so it's a "creepy digital relationship with our grandma" in exactly the same way messaging Grandma on FB is. The key issue here is not whether we use digital comms channels (or telephones, or carrier pidgeons), but whether those comms channels lead us towards getting together in person with our families and friends, or whether they lead us towards spending more ticking clicking around the comms channels. Check out Joe Edelman's videos on Vimeo about human-centred design for a more detailed discussion of this and related issues.
I live at the base of a mountain, and hike every day after work. I spent all last summer exploring every park in my state, and was on the news as an expert guide for some of the outdoor activities in my area. So you are presuming a lot by your response. My grandma, on the other hand, is in her 90s and not very mobile, and can keep up with family via their digital presences. Like you said... "the big family can have fun & share updates".
