Being Social
"So, what are you up to tonight?" I asked.
"I think I'm gonna head home and catch up with some friends," she replied.
"Oh, are you having someone over?" my third degree questioning continued. She laughed, and I thought I detected a short sigh.
"Nah, I'm gonna catch up on Facebook," she said, so matter-of-factly that I felt I was being scolded for even remotely thinking that was strange.
How many millions of people connect with their family, friends, and colleagues through social media outlets like Google+, Facebook, and Twitter? My guess is the number is pretty high, and I am definitely among them. I love to not only write about what I'm up to, but it's even more fun seeing what everyone else is up to.
And yet, part of me worries.
Has social media replaced being social? Or is it equally as acceptable? And does the world we live in today find it equally as acceptable to shake hands via the Internet as shaking hands or giving a hug in person?
In my opinion, I'm not seeing anything wrong with this, sans one concept. I don't have any case studies to cite, just personal observations to draw from. But I am beginning to think there may be a new group of people so enveloped in social media relationships that they are forgetting how to hold a conversation. And the real rub, some of these people may not even be aware they're missing out; They're so engrossed in saying things in 140 characters that they don't realize what they're missing.
Okay, I'm taking a breath.
Again, I don't want to demonize social media. I love using social media for several reasons, a few of which I've already listed. But I also find it equally important to get out there and have conversations in person with something that's breathing (I know, talking to my dogs doesn't count. Or does it?)
Think about the last 10 conversations you had. These conversations could have been with colleagues, family members, or friends. What did you talk about? And more importantly, how long did that conversation last? Once again, I'm not expert, but in my experience, conversations are getting shorter and shorter. Many of mine that lasted 5 to 10 minutes years ago are now under a minute. And it's not because I'm not trying...it's usually because the other person isn't willing to invest the time. And in some cases, they just don't know how or are not comfortable looking me in the eye and talking.
That's another thing: Eye contact. Think about it the next time you have a conversation with someone. What are you looking at? You don't have to stare at them and make them uncomfortable, but are your eyes wandering?
Being social in 2011 means being online and engaged through social media to a lot of people. But being a social person in 2011 means in addition, you're taking the time to have personal contact as well, shaking hands, hugging people, and being engaged in meaningful conversation.
The next time you say "How's it going?" a) Really want to know how that person is doing and b) Don't settle for just "good."
Posted by Brian Calvert at Wednesday, September 14. 2011 
Categories: PR, Radio, Marketing, TV, Communications, Journalism, Social Media
Categories: PR, Radio, Marketing, TV, Communications, Journalism, Social Media
nice blog.keep shairng.....
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Your blog is absolutely great,Lots of good information which is often attractive some or other way. Keep updating the blog.
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"Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything." - Eugene Delacroix
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