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In the UK, the existing social structures like the church had pretty much collapsed before social networks came on the scene. Social networks actually have the
by sbardle 10y ago
In the UK, the existing social structures like the church had pretty much collapsed before social networks came on the scene.
Social networks actually have the potential to help restore local social structures as at root they are about connectivity. A local volunteering group can easily keep its members up-to-date via its FB group. A local Councillor can update his constituents via his Twitter account. I'd like to see a new batch of startups which work on channelling social media usage to properly social ends.
- bjelkeman-again 10y agoYeah. My experience is that social networks and media are good for distributing information to a group of people who have opted in to the distribution. Which is what I think you are saying. However, social media is often portrayed as substituting for face-to-face social contact, which it does to some degree, but nowhere near good enough to replace it. Social media is a bit like spun sugar, it briefly tastes like you are eating something, but ultimately the experience is fleeting and leaves you empty.
- vertex-four 10y agoI wouldn't go quite that far. I wouldn't be doing nearly as well as I am without my friends online, who live everywhere from the next city over to another continent. They're a huge part of my life and I'd feel empty without them. However, I do need physical contact with people at least a couple of times a week - mostly in the form of touch, personally. I couldn't cope with being around people offline as much as I can with those same people online, though.