it all depends on how it's used. this is one instance where i think the technology really is neutral, even though i usually don't.
for me, i think it connects. i'm pretty good about not being on it too often, not being on it when i'm around other people, and using it to get to know really awesome people that i wouldn't otherwise, who usually end up being real life friends. i have at least a dozen people that i consider good friends that i originally met online, and now we travel and visit each other and have really amazing friendships.
That's interesting, thank you. I read a study recently that said most people use social networking sites to connect with people we already know. I wonder how LiveJournal is different. I do have a lot of people I know in RL on here; but I have also connected, like you said, with a lot of cool people I don't know in RL, based on common interests.
I wonder about the level of connection though, between people who never meet in RL. What makes a connection? Isn't it partially physical? Eye contact, touch, etc.
I am a nomad, I have moved about 28 times in my 31 years of living. The internet allows me to use a web cam to talk to my mom or even someone I dont know in another country. It allows me to connect with other folks like me and helps me get info on everything and anything. I was able to meet other lesbians who were trying to have a baby, get some great advice and actually conceive. I could have NEVER have done this on my own. These women are now my pillars and life long friends
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That's really interesting. I'm really quiet in person, too. I feel like I have been able to develop some sort of identity online that is my "real" identity but is also braver in some ways.
It's interesting about the interconnectedness: we can go on Twitter and see what someone is doing moment-by-moment; but is this closeness? Is it real? Or, is it contributing to a false sense of closeness with a lot of people; rather than intimacy with people in real life.
Sometimes I do get sad that we don't write letters anymore. It's such an intensely personal act, to physically open something that another person has touched, written with their own particular hand.
I'll go ahead and say I think it separates us, but what I mean is it separates me from other people. I'm really not good with people, and the internet -- specifically, LJ and other online communities and social networking sites -- allows me to feel like I'm socializing and connecting with people without risking anything; and I think risking something (other than getting flamed, I guess) is an integral part of building really solid, useful relationships
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So, you think there is less of a risk in human relationships online? Can you tell me more?
I do feel like the internet isn't a replacement for physical contact with people, even eye contact or touch.
I'm not sure what I mean by connect. Or, I think there are a lot of ways to connect. Perhaps the answer is to find balance between online and real life relationships. I do feel like I present myself a certain way online, choose a bunch of information, arranging it to make a picture of myself. But don't we do that in real life, too?
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for me, i think it connects. i'm pretty good about not being on it too often, not being on it when i'm around other people, and using it to get to know really awesome people that i wouldn't otherwise, who usually end up being real life friends. i have at least a dozen people that i consider good friends that i originally met online, and now we travel and visit each other and have really amazing friendships.
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I wonder about the level of connection though, between people who never meet in RL. What makes a connection? Isn't it partially physical? Eye contact, touch, etc.
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It's interesting about the interconnectedness: we can go on Twitter and see what someone is doing moment-by-moment; but is this closeness? Is it real? Or, is it contributing to a false sense of closeness with a lot of people; rather than intimacy with people in real life.
Sometimes I do get sad that we don't write letters anymore. It's such an intensely personal act, to physically open something that another person has touched, written with their own particular hand.
Reply
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I do feel like the internet isn't a replacement for physical contact with people, even eye contact or touch.
I'm not sure what I mean by connect. Or, I think there are a lot of ways to connect. Perhaps the answer is to find balance between online and real life relationships. I do feel like I present myself a certain way online, choose a bunch of information, arranging it to make a picture of myself. But don't we do that in real life, too?
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