After attending BlogHer’10, I was reminded once again how there are different types of “social networking” in this world. One is the method we’ve been using for ages: going to parties, going to the park, picking up the telephone, knocking on a friend’s door, visiting relatives, sending birthday and Christmas cards in the mail, and other tradition ways to network socially. Then there is the 21st Century way of social networking: Social Networking Websites. Twitter, Facebook, Four Square, MySpace, LinkedIn, MomsLikeMe, Reunion, CafeMom, Tickle, Classmates, Friendster, Google Buzz, Meetup, Ning… the list is endless.
While at BlogHer’10, I was speaking with a few other bloggers on how big of an event this was. However, we all agreed that anyone outside the “blogosphere” really knew nothing about this event and all the other events out there. As a matter of fact, outsiders really don’t understand the whole social networking craze. I laughed to myself seeing everyone with their Blackberries and IPhones texting and tweeting away through conferences, parties and chats… this was one of the first events I was at that it was entirely appropriate to do so! Normally, people see it as rude to start texting at a party or in the middle of a conversation, but at BlogHer’10, it was MORE than appropriate, it was EXPECTED!
One question that arises is WHERE DOES IT STOP? I know that my mother has told me that her friends know all about my travels and what goes on in my chaotic home with four children through my status updates on Facebook. She has mentioned more than once that I shouldn’t post such personal information online. I see nothing wrong with it. My sister has posted status updates about her nights out, and I have had to remind her that aunts and uncles are reading about how many shots she’s had and be careful so they don’t think she has a drinking problem! Some family members were turned off that others announced a cousin’s death and funeral arrangements online, when others thought it was so much more convenient than making three hundred phone calls. Some text and tweet while driving or stuck in traffic. Some social networkers claim to do their best work while in the restroom, and some tweet such info that would make most people shout out TMI (too much information)!
A fellow BlogHer’10 blogger was in the news back in December for tweeting right after finding her son who fell in the pool. She asked her followers to pray for him. And when the toddler didn’t survive, she tweeted again to announce his death and get support from her online friends. There are two opinions on this: One is that this mother reached out for support from her online friends, who she values just as much as you or I would value our childhood friends. The other is that this woman has serious issues and should be committed. Regardless of which opinion you hold, this woman lost a child and what a tragedy that is.
After my ectopic pregnancy loss, I found an online group with others who went through the same type of loss. When, three years later, we met up in Ohio for a physical “re”union, most of my family and friends didn’t understand, and some thought I was crazy! But these women were my lifeline for so long when I was going through loss and infertility, and most people in my immediate circle did not understand what I was going through. I valued them as friends (still do, nine years later!) and am so thankful for their support and friendship.
So, I ask you this question: Where do you draw the line with Social Networking?
