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!)