Social Networking

[ssl]

What are the consequences, besides the proliferation of some of the information that you may or may not have tried to keep private, are there to social networking?

I am not sure if I am correctly communicating the concept that is flowing in my mind. I am trying to determine if the amount of time that I spend online, since most of my time is spent on social networks, such as OffTopicz and Facebook, is actually worth it.

Granted, there are a few people I am glad to have met online [and I am not telling who, because that would just be a fiasco], but in reality, what will my return on investment be? Staring at a computer display and typing things on a keyboard generally form my social life; it just seems... I do not know how to put that feeling into words.

What do you all think?

 

[GraceAbounds]

I am not sure if I am correctly communicating the concept that is flowing in my mind.

I can so relate to that ... LOL!

I am trying to determine if the amount of time that I spend online, since most of my time is spent on social networks, such as OffTopicz and Facebook, is actually worth it.

No Internet relationship can replace the intimacy of real face to face relationships and interaction. (if you know them in real life ... different story)

Granted, there are a few people I am glad to have met online [and I am not telling who, because that would just be a fiasco], but in reality, what will my return on investment be?

Not quite sure what you mean by this. I was always taught that if you want a friend, then be one. It isn't about a return on an investment. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you're saying.

Staring at a computer display and typing things on a keyboard generally form my social life

Put the keyboard down now.

 

[Stella]

If you enjoy killing time on the internet, do it.

If you don't, stop.

 

[charLIE2291]

If you enjoy killing time on the internet, do it.

If you don't, stop.

:homo:

I dont know why i spend so much time on here...or i guess i dont know why i went to a forum to begin with, but i do know why i stayed at this one. I use myspace a lot though to keep up with friends i dont see much, or just random conversation i guess.

 

[ssl]

Not quite sure what you mean by this. I was always taught that if you want a friend, then be one. It isn't about a return on an investment. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you're saying.

Well, in the sense of face-to-face "return on investment" - you put in the time for in-person relationships (assuming they do as well) and you get back the enjoyment spent with them, or the quality time spent with them (damnit, my fingers keep wanting to type 'them' as 'thiem'... :willy_nilly solving some problem.

The online version however (obviously) is missing that personal connection you get when the interaction is in an environment away from the computer. Thus, my "what is the RoI" on the online friendshipts?" question.

I only use the business term, because I have no idea how else to describe it. I was not implying that all friendships are business-oriented.

Put the keyboard down now.

But I do not have it in my hands.. And no, nothing else is in my hands either. :ninja

My keyboard is under my hands, and part of a laptop case; if I were to heed your advice... Ah, too many consequences would occur, and they would not be good at all.

 

[GraceAbounds]

Too many consequences in having face to face relationships? Am I misunderstanding again?

 

[ssl]

Not the face-to-face relationships; if I dropped my keyboard/laptop.

 

[Peter Parka]

I'm just at home a lot because of circumstance so it's better to have some social contact rather than hardly any at all. Plus, the missus is always watching shite on telly when she's awake so I'd rather be on here.

 

[GraceAbounds]

Not the face-to-face relationships; if I dropped my keyboard/laptop.

OH!!! ROFL!!!

That one flew right over my head. I feel like such an idiot now ... lol!

 

[Sylar]

its easier online. the real world is all bitches and bastards.. however it is spilling over.........

 

[Minor Axis]

Exclusive online relationships represent 1/8 of a real relationship if that. They are conversations with basically strangers, you can have on your time and on your terms, and no commitments. You really don't know anyone from an online basis only, although you think you might know a little, and I think you can make guesses about personalities and attitudes, but you really don't know if it's real or a game. Fortunately you can walk away any time if it does not work out. However online interaction does feel a social need, exchanging ideas, learning, laughing, even virtual sex, etc. (Disclaimer- I have not participated in any online sexual activities with other people.)

 

[COOL_BREEZE2]

I believe there are pros and cons both in "off line" and "online" interaction (or relationships if you may).
Ideally, balance is the key. Too much of either one at the neglect of the other is what is not so good.

Times have changed though and with the changing times we also evolve. It seems as though that the quality of time we had to share with one another on a physical level in past years, we find harder to come by in these present times. Almost everyone is busy, whether it is with work, studying, commuting, distance, trying to make ends meet etc etc etc x 10.

-------->Enter the internet, drastically reducing distances and enabling instant communication. Enter other forms of instant communications. This is where's we're basically at now as the norm. Whereas some years ago it was not as commonplace or as efficient, most have access now in various forms.

Anyways, what I'm getting at is times change, we evolve along with it, there are pros and cons, balance is the key.