Social Platforms

Image: jscreationzs

I have heard it said that social platforms create a false sense of connection, and honestly, I believed that.  In my experience it is easy to include people on FB that you wouldn't usually call, and it has a certain security about it, in that you can 'unfriend' someone without their even being aware of it!  I believed that it was a cheap substitute for a real relationship. 

That said, I am having to eat my words a little.  A week or two ago, I 'met' this guy on facebook, Adin van Ryneveld (aka the "no money guy" - check out his blog here).  Here is someone who is kind of changing the system.  Rather than moving from real-life friends to the kind where you know what is going on in their lives via status updates, he is not only making new friends and real connections from the internet, but also putting his (no) money where is mouth is:   He is relying on the online 'tribe' to meet his day to day needs and giving his money away!   


I have often felt kind of isolated and, not having the energy or time to go out clubbing with my friends (I have a toddler at home), I usually rely on phone conversations and the odd group gathering to provide the one-on-one fix.  Adin's 5 year project got me thinking about how connected we really are.. even through online encounters - the level of involvement is up to you, and nothing connects a person like being asked for help that you are able and happy to provide.


So my practice this week is going to be connecting more authentically with the people I know online, and actually helping where I can.. putting it out there genuinely, and following through.   I'll let you know how it goes!

Images from www.freedigitalphotos.net