I thought I’d share an interesting commentary a close friend of mine sent me Facebook.
The writer talks about starting university in 1985, and living in a dorm for the first time. He’s apparently a rather private person, which led him to reflect on how he perceives isolation in our society. What really stuck out to me were his thoughts on how social media has changed the way we interact with our local communities and how much has changed (or been lost) over such a short time.
I don’t think social media and the internet are to blame for the most negative comments he makes. I think there’s a lot more to do with our dwindling sense of community. After reading Kelly’s post about Bowling Alone I’m feeling more compelled to read that book. Its subject matter has been coming up in conversation a lot for me lately, with friends, family and colleagues.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thanks for posting this, Rob. I agree, his argument seems misguided. But what a statement: “it’s possible to achieve a state of personal isolation while remaining a member of society. I believe that lesson is as valid today as it was then; it’s just that fewer people seem to be learning it.”