Comments on: The Inescapable Impact of Social Networking http://inspireaction.mindandmedia.com/2007/09/24/the-inescapable-impact-of-social-networking/ A blog about communications consulting in the federal government Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:08:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Essential Pop Culture http://inspireaction.mindandmedia.com/2007/09/24/the-inescapable-impact-of-social-networking/#comment-4925 Essential Pop Culture Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:53:26 +0000 http://inspireaction.mindandmedia.com/2007/09/24/the-inescapable-impact-of-social-networking/#comment-4925 I linked to the same article from my website, but I have a different opinion. I tend to agree with Ms. Rosen's position. Something is lost when we do not engage the community on a daily basis. Peapod and other online services are great for time and cost savings, but what were the costs to our communities? I am not sure this can be measured. However, I do think that a couple of hours engaged in the community and commerce is more important than taking your daughter to the park. I will explain: By taking your daughter to the park rather than shopping you are filtering her experiences. In the park she will learn to play with her peer group and develop motor skills on the playground equipment. There is a certain constant in the playground. It is safe (mostly) and has a specific purpose targeted to children. However, taking children in to public spaces such as grocery stores shopping mall, and mechanic shops provides stimulation and experiences that no playground can offer. Children develop their own filters and mechanisms to cope with stressful situations (getting lost, accidentally breaking merchandise, learning patience). They learn about the real world. They see people argue, haggle, struggle, fret, yell, cuss, and smile. They learn that not everything is in their control. This in turn prompts the child to ask questions about the world around them - their curiosity expands beyond the playground and safe places. They become truly interested and interesting people. Based on outside influences they develop truly individual tastes. By limiting a child's exposure to the community at large is to filter her experiences based on your tastes. She begins to see the world through your eyes, not hers. I think everything we do in our community is a connection. This includes grocery shopping, riding the train, walking the dog, etc. It takes far more effort and skill to filter people in real life than online. In facebook I do not have to ever meet or make friends with a Republican or other males if I choose. If effect, I can select peers based on my taste alone. Many believe this to be a good thing. I disagree. We need those outside, sometimes unwelcome influences to shape our world view. It keeps us more honest with each other and ourselves. Cheers. I linked to the same article from my website, but I have a different opinion.

I tend to agree with Ms. Rosen’s position. Something is lost when we do not engage the community on a daily basis.

Peapod and other online services are great for time and cost savings, but what were the costs to our communities? I am not sure this can be measured. However, I do think that a couple of hours engaged in the community and commerce is more important than taking your daughter to the park. I will explain:

By taking your daughter to the park rather than shopping you are filtering her experiences. In the park she will learn to play with her peer group and develop motor skills on the playground equipment. There is a certain constant in the playground. It is safe (mostly) and has a specific purpose targeted to children.

However, taking children in to public spaces such as grocery stores shopping mall, and mechanic shops provides stimulation and experiences that no playground can offer. Children develop their own filters and mechanisms to cope with stressful situations (getting lost, accidentally breaking merchandise, learning patience). They learn about the real world. They see people argue, haggle, struggle, fret, yell, cuss, and smile. They learn that not everything is in their control. This in turn prompts the child to ask questions about the world around them - their curiosity expands beyond the playground and safe places. They become truly interested and interesting people. Based on outside influences they develop truly individual tastes.

By limiting a child’s exposure to the community at large is to filter her experiences based on your tastes. She begins to see the world through your eyes, not hers.

I think everything we do in our community is a connection. This includes grocery shopping, riding the train, walking the dog, etc. It takes far more effort and skill to filter people in real life than online. In facebook I do not have to ever meet or make friends with a Republican or other males if I choose. If effect, I can select peers based on my taste alone. Many believe this to be a good thing. I disagree. We need those outside, sometimes unwelcome influences to shape our world view. It keeps us more honest with each other and ourselves.

Cheers.

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