Open Thread

For me the OT is just an outlet for unusual thoughts. That way I can keep all of the normal stuff for work.

“Socially speaking it’s more stratification and narrower grouping by age, by social interests, etc,”

I agree, although an exception would be here in the OT and at the Brownstoner gatherings. I think it’s quite unique to get such a diverse group in terms of age, profession, and various other demographics that can socialize fairly regularly as many of us do.

Biff…..but I also think we’re in many ways less in touch (how many times do we now use email in lieu of actually talking to and meeting friends?).

Ture. I think the distinction of meeting people face to face and spending time together is crucial. In the end, what promotes the deeper, more satisfying connection? Electronic repartee or actually spending time with a person? To the extent that cyber communicating feeds a deeper bonds, its good but a poor substitute for hanging out with a person or a group of friends, and family.

“I also think we’re in many ways less in touch (how many times do we now use email in lieu of actually talking to and meeting friends?)”

Biff, joking aside, I agree with the first half. But, I’ve come to hate talking on the phone – though I realize it’s a chicken & egg situation. I prefer email, texting and IMing with my friends, but it’s an instant means of communicating since it all comes to the BlackBerry.

I disagree with the second half, though, since I do whatever I can to see my friends in person, and rely on email, etc. in between.

A woman I was dating questioned whether I had any friends. I said I did, she said, prove it! Thus I joined Facebook.

I kind of liked the faceless anomie that existed pre-Internet, but maybe I’m just conflating it with my youth.