Bitrthday cards...

100 years ago, a person's birthday was considered a special event and that person was  greeted personally by their friends and family. Those  who were unable to do this in person sent a birthday card instead. Then,  a card was considered more of an apology than as a greeting. It was only in more recently that birthday cards have been regarded as an expression of  joy.
Now birthday cards are being replaced by social media... is this to be welcomed or lamented?