Thursday, January 1, 2009

CHANGE OF HEART ON SOCIAL NETWORKING

There are times, and circumstances that I write about, which are based on experiences at the time I am living through them. And I don't think it is wrong to change your mind. I did write last month about the whole social networking thing, and how sophomoric I thought it all was. But I can't say it is entirely bad.

I have been consistently "online" now for about 3 months straight. And although I have met some truly shallow and vapid people, I have also managed to recognize those people who are truly spectacular. I mean, I am intense, and a lot of people I meet, can't really deal with it. But that doesn't mean that they are bad people. I am not about to think that I am this big "know-it-all" who has the only right opinion on any subject. But over the past 3 months, I have had some really incredible discussions with people from across the globe. From here in many different states, the world over, from Ireland to New Zeland, and Kuwait to Canada. From Bebo to Twitter, Facebook to Myspace, Stickam to Blog TV, and YOUTUBE to any number of other amazing technological advances.

In all these places you can find all sorts of people, introverted, extroverted, Type-A personalities. All kind of political opinions, religious backgrounds, belief systems, life philosophies, commitment levels, intensity levels, ethics and morals, value systems, family backgrounds, economic strata, ethnic diversity, emotional intelligence, cultures, and all the myriad of things that make up each individual. And the internet is full of EVERYTHING in everyone... that makes us so unique. I love learning from these people. It is a truly cultural anthropology study in and of itself. And I love each person who I have met and been able to interact with on a significant level. People will always just be doing their thing. And when anyone lets you into their life... be it on the street, at school, at work, in the neighborhood, or yes, even on the internet... it is a blessing to know them.

I do love the people I meet online, as much or even more so than someone I could meet in person. And the foundations I have with those friendships, are just as valid as any other. Thank you for being a part of me and my life.

Every one of you... complete me, and you all make me want to be a better person.

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