Online Social Networking: A Great Catalyst For Traditional Socializing, Not A Replacement of Human-to-Human Interaction

wildmarketingchiquita

July 21st, 2009
by wildmarketingchiquita

Most of the days, I work behind my laptop at home–my brain is constantly “talking” and communicating with other people via email, Facebook, Twitter…but my vocal cords don’t get much to do most of the time. So at the end of the day, I’m left feeling fulfilled because I feel like I’ve been social (web social, that is) but I also feel a strange yearning to hear other people speak and to interact with people in person!

That is why when my job calls for me to go out and meet new people like our team did last week at SABER, I get really excited! (Not to mention that our Web Marketing Therapist makes it extremely pleasant and entertaining to be awake at 8am–check out her past speaking videos and you’ll know what I mean).

I realized today with all of this new social media networking tools, that a lot of people may find it simply easier to connect with someone via a quick Facebook chat or a short Tweet. However, the essence of being social is, well…socializing!  So as much fun as it may be to have the Facebook Happy Hour application, it’s really about the in-person meets that make these social media tools so much more fun–to reconnect after an event or to share the pictures from an outing!

I view Facebook and Twitter as an enhancement upon my already-existent relationships OR as a catalyst to introducing myself to someone of interest–but rarely do I view these platforms as THE ultimate way to socialize with them. But maybe you’re thinking in your head: “DUH! Who doesn’t prefer real-person interactions over web ones?” But you’d be surprised at how many people would rather send a Facebook message than an email, a Tweet rather than a mobile text, a virtual “poke” rather than a real nudge.

I love social media. I’m addicted to too many of them. I also love the sound of real laughter over “LOL” and the power of in-human networking over blind “Friend Requests.”

All I’m saying is: STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER (once in a while) and go interact! It’s healthy! But don’t forget to add me on Twitter @w_wang. Hahah, that irony bit was just for kicks. (But now I’m interested to see how many people Tweet @ me!)

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Categories: Blog, On the Couch, Social Media, Social Media Marketing

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Comments:

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  3. Michele Sandlin
    (July 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm)

    Wow! I love that you view social networks as “enhancements upon” already existing relationships and/or as a “catalyst to introduce” new people of interest into your life. A very cool, healthy attitude for someone who is an admitted addict to social media! What really got me thinking is your comment, “but you’d be surprised at how many people would rather send a Facebook message than an email, a Tweet rather than a mobile text, a virtual “poke” rather than a real nudge”. Though I know this is a reality for many people and this forum, seemingly, will only continue to grow, I can’t help but wonder if social media is actually creating distance between people instead of bringing them closer together? Even in your analogy none of the communication mediums reference face to face interaction (I think that’s more of a generational thing)… but it sure looks like our society is headed in that direction.

    I started http://www.open2conversation.com to help keep the true Art of Conversation alive and well! I also promote “online” social networks – as tools – to facilitate LIVE connections, and the fact that you enjoy “the sound of real laughter over LOL” gives me hope that people of all ages (you being from a generation younger than I) will always keep a soft spot for “offline” friends!

    So yes, “STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER (once in a while) and go interact!” find a healthy balance and remain open2conversation. ..think about the last time you met someone new the old fashioned way…in person…then go outside and do it :)

    Great Blog!

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