This might be redundant, but I met my husband on the internet. It wasn't through a chatroom, a dating site, or any other kind of medium people traditionally use to meet others. It was through a game called Halo. We literally met while we virtually shot people in their brain pans. Romantic? Hardly. But we really do thank today's technology in making each other's existence known. We don't play that game any longer, nor have we played any game in a long time- but that memory makes the whole idea of online connections real and a great place to find and communicate with others.
A survery of 3,000 adults in the US characterized the internet as a "vibrant social universe" in which relationships can grow (Horrigan et al., 2001). In that study, 72 percent of the internet users had communicated with a relative or a friend within the past day, compared to 61 percent for nonusers. The internet users also were more likely to phone friends and relatives. Almost all parents in one survey reported that the internet has no effect on their children's interaction with friends.
Even more amazing than the amount of communication that occurs online is its quality. Fifty-five percent of internet users said e-mail improved communications with family, and 66 percent reported that their contact with friends increased because of e-mail. Among women, the rate of satisfaction was even higher: 60 percent reported better contact with family and 71 percent with friends (Horrigan et al., 2001).
Other research confirms that internet-mediated communication can support interpersonal relationships. In a 5-year survey, internet users reported having more social contacts than nonusers, as well as more community and political involvement (Katz et al., 2001). Almost 60 percent of American teenagers say that their use of the internet helps their relationships with their friends, and almost a third report that it helps them make new friends (Lenhart et al., 2001).
So, what do you think? I have to assume that here in the blogsphere, people would agree. I know that my life has been enhanced by my blogging experience. I've found a great way to express myself and I've gotten in contact with some that I'd love to meet someday. What about you?
Enjoy the hibiscus. :D
Pseudotropheus sp
