Social networking

I read an interesting article by John C. Dvorak today centering on the fagility of social networking sites (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2288738,00.asp). Dvorak made some really interesting points about the evolution of such sites, even going back to the mid-90's when social networking was in more of a chat format, and designed to be similar to CB conversation. Of course the modern day equivalents include popular sites like Myspace and Facebook.

It is interesting to think not only how far read/write web interaction has come, but just how far it can go. For example, 10 years ago a site like Myspace would have been a place that only the undateable would go to try to find a romantic connection. Online dating and connection was quite taboo less than a decade ago. Now, it is considered a rite of passage to develop your own page as a way to express yourself as an individual.

Dvorak discusses at length just how fragile the actual connections are that are made on such sites, and how easily people will simply drop and move from one community to another. He even goes as far as to say that people should be careful about just how "real" they feel these connections are. In many ways, I totally agree with him. Internet safety and literacy is a hugely important skill that all young people must learn. Individuals will always jump to the new bit of technology, regardless of product or brand loyalty. However, I think that while Dvorak makes alot of great points, he is being a bit shortsighted. Consider this site that I now am posting to. Blogging is becoming more and more important as a means of connection and learning. It does not seem unreasonable that as time goes by, connections and relationships created and maintained online will be just as vital as those done face to face. As the world becomes more and more "flat," online communites and information dissemination may not only grow in importance, but become the primary means of interactions (especially as this is one corner of our economy that won't be completely crippled by the impending energy crisis in the U.S.).