Social (?) Networking

I had an interesting event that happened over the weekend that made me question the idea of "social networking". Without going into a lot of details about the event, I'll provide my thoughts on what I've been thinking about....

Social networking was to bring people of similar interests together in a new way...no matter what the city, province or country...people could connect. As an example I have 850+ contacts in facebook...many are not "really" my friends. But since I play one of facebooks many online games...we band together for a personal army. Something interesting happened since I've been in college, I've posted some work that I've completed to a photo album in an effort to let my "real" friends see what I've been doing and have my work seen. What happened was I received comments not only by the people I know well, but from people whom we've never even said hello. Helpful comments, small tips, and insights in an attempt to make my work better or to give some encouragement to keep studying and stay focused. For this I can be so grateful.

In an effort to expand my social network, I joined Twitter and Empire Avenue (a game where you have personal shares that others buy so that your stock rises - or falls). I found this to be a bit more odd...sure I cared about my share worth and was encouraged to follow people on twitter and start a blog (which I am happy for...). I suppose what is so easy to forget is that social networking is like online dating...they are individuals that are out living there lives that spend a few min, or hours a day connecting with people. Some of these connections become "friends", and I have several from facebook.

The things that bug me are the release of information about me to third party companies just they can market to me better, and the reality of by connecting with others this way - you only know what they tell you...Just like in my travels to other countries, there are many different people good and bad, who also act good or bad - the difference is that for many - there is a loss of the idea that there is a real person connected to the posted photo, chat, or message. In it's attempt to connect people...hasn't it made that connection a bit thinner? It seems so easy to rant off a message and feel no consequences until forced to, many can feel free by doing so anonymously...others are not so lucky and must face themselves eventually.

For some others, it is the only form of escape for a thin attempt of socialization that they can deal with...For me, I am finding it difficult to chat on Twitter, MSN messenger and Facebook chat AND get my school work completed (well I always complete mine done...but still!). It is time consuming...

As for me, and my recent exposure to a concentrated dose intense of social networking...I think I'll remove myself from Empire Avenue, remove the people I don't really know from twitter, and stick with those that at least have the common interest on facebook. I'm not sure what the difference is really, but at least I've "known" many of them for a while...as for the others I don't know on facebook...at least we have castle age!