onlyconnect: 08/31/13

Writer/journalist Stephanie Wood recently published a compelling feature article on loneliness. In addition to addressing the deep seated experience of emotional and physical isolation, she challenges the notion that social media can help to alleviate loneliness. See http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/all-the-lonely-people-20130826-2skkz.html.

It would appear, indeed, that social media platforms can invite mere comment rather than engagement – or even just envy as we appraised others’ seemingly more enriched lives.

We’ve all heard about the potential of Facebook to cause loneliness. But a study intent on proving this actually found the opposite. See http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/facebook-loneliness_n_3839003.html

Aiza has commented on this blog that social media shows evidence of ‘the Existence of certain protocols and rules of use which can only be learned and internalised through constant exposure and use’.

By virtue of this definition, we can envision proficient social media users as those who are true community members – they have adopted the language, use the protocols for engaging in dialogue, and are engaged in regular interchange.

And other commenters have shown how constant exposure and the next step- response – have enhanced feelings of belonging:

Sally Morgan: ‘social media can help us feel like we belong and decrease feelings of isolation’.

Denise: 'the bottom line for me is that I see Facebook as a very positive medium and a fabulous vehicle to connect with other like-minded human beings and make friends.'

According to Spanish scholar Jose Luis Orihuela, in an article in Comunicação e Sociedade (translated into English!)

‘The blogosphere is community and conversation’.

Please continue the conversation- let me know what you think about the question,