I worry.

[anomali]

I was just thinking about the way telecommunication connectivity has affected our social interactions, and, therefore, our identities. I was thinking, in particular, of a couple of issues that I have seen pop up time and time again. You don't have to spend much time in any social media venue before you encounter people who have a profound need to

Comments

[clevermanka]

I am hardly the likeliest candidate to present a silver-lining option, but you also need to consider that the same telecommunication connectivity fosters groups like ontd_political where contributors sometimes (frequently) spit and hiss at each other, and there are dissenting views, but everyone seems to operate with the understanding that as long as someone isn't being an uniformed douche-hat, his/her thoughts should be taken seriously. And then everybody gets together on the Friday Shenanigans Party Posts and raises a glass together, despite ruffled feathers from earlier in the week.

[zitronenhai]

I might have to join that community.

[anomali]

I mentioned this and have been lucky enough to experience this, rollicking arguments. I have several friends I've been lucky enough to meet over the internet and I am very glad of that.

It has been a while, however, since I have been part of any non-astrological or art- and entertainment-related community on LJ or elsewhere. I have left most of the groups I have joined in the past few years because of nasty, personalized disputes or excessive ruliness. Check out the profile for the feminist community here for an immediate sense of sisterhood (and an application for membership no less!). I was shocked that even the menstrual cup community was so goddamn PC that only gender neutral language is considered acceptable. I mean, seriously...when we are talking vaginas?

I am just weary and I am worried about what will become of this tool I have wholeheartedly embraced since those early days. Sigh.

[zitronenhai]

I think that it was in prochoice where I got so vividly flamed (by a user named hothead, fittingly), well, I think I was a member there for about three hours. No, thanks!

I have never been very active in groups or themed communities, here or elsewhere. I prefer the direct social interactions with individuals and small networks of friends, which is good, because that's about all that is left around here!

A Matter of Scale and Speed

[zitronenhai]

I think all of the dynamics that we see on the internet are present IRL, it's just a matter of scale, and speed of propagation, as you mention. I do have a pro-internet bias; I found my voice on the internet. It was the first social situation/medium where I felt more welcome than not, and free to express, explore, and question.

I guess this is one area in which alienation is a good thing. I don't really feel a part of any group I can name, so I still see myself as free to make up my own mind.

Re: A Matter of Scale and Speed

[anomali]

Scale and speed: yes, that is the perfect way to describe it

Re: A Matter of Scale and Speed

[zitronenhai]

I love my tool, too! HOORAY FOR TOOLS!

Here's my silver lining: the internet helps us really know what the Enemy is saying and doing. They can't hide in the periphery with their hate and madness any longer. What we knew twenty-five years ago is just now becoming clear to everybody else, and they have to admit that, yes, it is happening. And, it is just as easy to get out the wisdom and the positive messages. WE MUST CLAIM AND RECLAIM OUR TOOL, AND USE IT FOR GOOD! =D

Re: A Matter of Scale and Speed

[anomali]

YES! and again YES!