A few weeks ago, I presented at PodCampAZ about the changing nature of relationships as technology continues to become a more integral part of our lives. One of my points during the presentation involved how quickly relationships form as the result of tools like Facebook and Twitter.
Relationships forming faster is a good thing. The hesitation and nervousness that accompanies initial interactions disappears, replaced by the ease of conversing in a non-threatening environment. Those who are normally shy and withdrawn have an outlet that can eventually lead to real world interaction.
There is an unfortunate side effect, per usual, when it comes to social media. These instantaneous relationships come with high expectations.
What can take years to develop – anticipating another’s thoughts, predicting another’s decisions, interacting seamlessly – now is expected to occur within weeks. If communication occurs so easily over social networks, if secrets can be transmitted via Facebook and Twitter, closeness is perceived to occur much quicker.
But it isn’t. Social networks provide the illusion of closeness merely through written word. True relationship communication involves being able to read another’s actions and body language. Speech and secret sharing is one aspect, but chemistry and communication must be done the old fashioned way.
True!
It is way easier to do your homework on someone *before* you actually meet them in real life by reading their blog.
Read their blog = you generally know what they think about stuff (assuming they share!)