We all enjoy elements of being social creatures who yearn for connection with others. It's a psychological fact, that on some level, we need this interaction. It affirms, it gives us a degree of attention.
As my students know, as do other readers of this blog, I take a childhood memory and tie it to something relevant today. What better subject than what we've all been touched by? Social media.
My bicycle was my means of social contact when a child and early teen. Because my dad was a preacher, I wasn't allowed to tie-up the phone line too long because he might be needed by someone in the congregation. Friends I met at summer camp couldn't really be called to 'catch-up' because it was considered 'long-distance' and that meant financial charges we couldn't afford. When we connected as friends in our small town, we'd hop on our bikes and actually knock on the front door and then talk while riding bikes through the neighborhood or just sit on the front steps. For my long distance friends, there was nothing like getting a stamped envelope in the mail with a three page, handwritten letter, with the comforting salutation of your name, and a "Love Always" as its closing. This means of social networking is basically obsolete today.
Instead we have the Internet as our bike and certain sites as our stamped envelopes. I'm not that old school to not appreciate what these social hookups can provide for the betterment of enhancing community.
I recently asked those on Facebook what their favorite site was and why. In my condensed amount of research on this, I offer the following observations.
--Facebook: It's a place to reconnect with old relationships and reinforce the friendships with new one. You can actually create your own community that share common interests. Updates through pictures seem to be a comfortable way to connect. A former student stated, "It's a comprehensive summary of a person."
--I can understand the lure to Pinterest. It allows for a more narrowed focus on something you find interesting which then lends to others who share similar interests.
--Instagram: Many who responded to my poll enjoy this site. Specifically, one response: " [It's] networking and community." Instagram strong point is the appeal to the visual. It's here and now. It allows others to be in the moment that you are in; wherever that virtual road takes you.
--Twitter: Over the years, I've observed more young people on this app. An older former student remarked, "Twitter is for professional learning networks and it's more like speaking to a room of people." I think it is because it's so fast-paced--it's the 10 speed English Racer of the group. It's to the point. You can find things out instantly. Texts are brief which lends to its appeal.
--The one I want to look further into is Goodreads. As a writer with a platform to build, this appears to be a giant book club. Who, but a writer and those who appreciate good writing, wouldn't like this virtual library?
The space here doesn't lend itself to the many other platforms out there. I think it comes down to what they all facilitate: self-expression, communication, and social connection.
I might not be hopping on my bike any more to a friend's front door for a face to face conversation, but, today, vehicles of communication are in tact, and the much needed human bonds of connection remain strong.