Social connections are building blocks of our society. Just like how telephone or television was celebrated as the most innovative communication, I believe social media did not reduce social connectivity. If anything, social media likely increased connectivity or reduced the cost of communicating with others. However, it was criticized for its large connectivity as superficial since the number of connections doesn’t directly proportional to the depth of those relationships. But why are we so lonely when we are more connected than ever? The answer is more complicated than just the advent of technology.
You came up with a very controversial question. In my opinion, only people who don’t use social media that much will feel less connected with others; my friends and I are still very connected thanks for the social media, and I am pretty sure that our bond will break very quickly if we don’t have social media.
Your thoughts are interesting and deep. Social networks will indeed increase the spatialization between people. But maybe this is not a bad thing. If there is no social network, we who work and attend classes from home during the epidemic may feel cut off from the world. Everything in the world includes good and bad, please enjoy the benefits it brings to you!
I thought you had some good observations of then and now comparisons as well as how hypertext played an important role on that. I also think your question of why we are so lonely even though we are more connected than ever really depends on the person. During these times when we are forced to communicate virtually, most will get that loneliness feeling because they also need that “physical” contact between people. But for others, it might not even matter.
Nowadays, there is a low barrier for people to access the online community with a simplified signup process and devices, which allows people to build a new connection and influence. I sometimes ask myself if I am getting influenced by them, which I want to avoid. Nice analysis on communication via community!
Very interesting thoughts, I loved your analysis of communication through technology and your consideration of the actual depth of those relationships due to them being online..