Warren Sukernek sent me this article from the NYT, Brave New World of Digital Intimacy. Clive Thompson presents a really balanced view on social media and he does a nice job describing the links between Twitter, Facebook feeds, SMS etc, all tied up in creating “ambient awareness”.
When I last wrote about (being over) Twitter, I asked a similar basic question: “Are these weak tie relationships real relationships?” And at the time, I found them wanting. I’m not sure if my opinion has changed drastically, even though I still Tweet and post the occasional FB update. [Now that I’ve changed jobs, it’s particularly useful for keeping tabs on my old colleagues, although I have been surprised that word is still getting out that I have left Organic. This is also how I heard about my cousin’s new baby, via his 20-something sister’s FB update.]
The best quote from this piece:
“For [people in their 20s], participation isn’t optional. If you don’t dive in, other people will define who you are. So you constantly stream your pictures, your thoughts, your relationship status and what you’re doing — right now! — if only to ensure the virtual version of you is accurate, or at least the one you want to present to the world.”
Meaning that we are back to small-town living- everybody in eveyone else’s business. I think he kinds of skirts the issue of whether or not this is a good thing.
For me, I love the anonymity of urban life and I think for someone in this space I keep a relatively low digital profile (even as I just started a new blog!). I pity those people in the generation behind me who feel exposed by social media even as they are simultaneously empowered.
