Network Connection
The web it seems, is now flooded with a host of sites connecting people from all over the world. In the techno biz world, it is coined "social networking". I have never had so many invitations (not even to parties), in a span of just a year. Obviously, my social calendar isn’t that full, but that’s beside the point, really! Recently, I have been Tagged, Linked, Hi-5(ed), asked to see MySpace, invited to join Zeboshop. I’ve read about Facebook, Google’s ORKUT and a host of others ranging from specific interests, from writing to shopping. And that is only in addition to the existing Friendster, Multiply, Snapfish, Yahoo 360. Its amazing how we can all be interconnected in the net - from long lost childhood playmates to long lost forgotten friends, even ex’s. I’d like to believe some spats must have been patched up through the net, but that is only a guess. Why not? Its not impossible, is it?! This social web linking has led me to think back on what has been lost and forgotten. I’ve read about it a long, long time ago - the paradox of our age. In these times of high-tech-quick-fixes-broad-band-connections, a lot of us, or maybe a portion of the population fail in the area of genuine warm human connection. In this aspect I talk about the forgotten art of writing letters (not typing and emailing) and using the old fashioned post ( I know that that not all postal services are efficient, but what the heck!). How about calling family members or friends to greet them on special ocassions instead of sending an sms/email? Online chat has become more and more of an option for most families separated by continents because there is the technology of the webcam. E-cards has been sent more and more each day, contributing to the lost market of Hallmark and old-fashioned cards. (Unbelievably though, Australia has maintained greeting card sales from previous years!)
I used to be able to write long letters, but lately, I stare at my grocery list and wonder what ever happened to my handwriting! Either I’m on the verge of acquiring athritis (at a very young age), or I have lost the touch. Despite the dynamics of the wide world of the web (yep, that isn’t an error - simply wanted to make a point how huge it is), I totally appreciate all of its advancements and features that makes life and communication easier these days. I am guilty of all those acts - chat/email/e-card!! Honestly, I’d doubt my sanity if it were not for the internet connection in my fingertips, for the past two years. These days, you don’t just use the internet to do email anymore - practically anything can be done online. So technology has actually made our lives greater. But as is in all things, balance is of the essence. Sure! I’d love to be tagged, linked, multiply(ed), hi-5(ed) or whatever else is available now these days. But wouldn’t it also be great if we can all really communicate and not just be connected? Now that is a thought to think about.
June 20th, 2007 at 4:06 am
Mate , the world has changed and it is a matter of dealing with it. We may have lost communication with love ones, mates and old school buddies but it is our choice if we want to be connected with them. Communication is very broad in context and we have own meaning to every word ( as we have all different experiences) despite that it is our CONNECTION with the person that matters. Connection is boundless because it is deeper and soulful. Once you are connected regardless of what form that person can fully understand and share its wavelength. It is our feat to deal with the physical sense of communication and maybe this is the time to examine our inner thoughts to experience boundless connectivity. MATE , LIVE WITH PASSION
( hey i got facebook and myspace too but i made it exclusive and by invitation only. Dont want it infested by nosy shits hahaha if you know what i mean)