Tuesday
04Nov2008
Is Twitter numbing our emotions?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 4:00AM
When I am ready to head out for the night to the local watering hole or the amazing place that reminds me of my fraternity house basement, I send a quick message to Twitter to let people know where I'm going. I have the policy that if I post it to Twitter, it's open to anyone and that includes coming to hang out and grab a beer or dinner with friends.
One thing I've begun to realize though is that some people won't come out unless I directly invite them. Whether it's that they feel that they are unwelcomed or they would like a personal, "Hey, I'm thinking about you and I would enjoy your company," is up in the air. I guess it differs for each person.
One thing is clear, we may be leaving people out of our lives by using services like Twitter, FriendFeed or Facebook to blast out invites to hang out instead of the more traditional methods like telephones, email or SMS messages. What do you think? Are we losing touch with our humanity? Do we feel that we no longer need to communicate in a one-on-one world with micro-blogging and one-to-many services? Should we be focusing on those closer to us by sending them personal invitations or notes instead of expecting them to check the large flood of information that's contained on the internet?
One thing I've begun to realize though is that some people won't come out unless I directly invite them. Whether it's that they feel that they are unwelcomed or they would like a personal, "Hey, I'm thinking about you and I would enjoy your company," is up in the air. I guess it differs for each person.
One thing is clear, we may be leaving people out of our lives by using services like Twitter, FriendFeed or Facebook to blast out invites to hang out instead of the more traditional methods like telephones, email or SMS messages. What do you think? Are we losing touch with our humanity? Do we feel that we no longer need to communicate in a one-on-one world with micro-blogging and one-to-many services? Should we be focusing on those closer to us by sending them personal invitations or notes instead of expecting them to check the large flood of information that's contained on the internet?
Reader Comments (5)
http://twitter.com/mediaphyter">@mediaphyter Have you explored this avenue? Interesting point http://is.gd/6qCp
http://twitter.com/mediaphyter">@mediaphyter Have you explored this avenue? Interesting point http://is.gd/6qCp
There isn't the same "buy-in" as a personal invitation. Maybe invite new people personally, then post the "open" invite to the regulars?
That's a great point Robert. Sometimes it's easy to forget that some people don't know you as well as others and maybe they need a bit more of a push.
Short answer: yes. I've rediscovered my love of fountain pens and high-quality paper (I know, right?!), and my relationships have improved immensely.