Local Social Networking Without Computers
After The Low-Tech Times recently suggested to Robert Scoble that he cancel his facebook and twitter accounts, Rajesh left a very insightful comment:
…being low tech is not about eliminating technology altogether, but maintaining a pragmatic balance between internet-based and other solutions. Social networking is more easy to do by, for example, walking out the door and introducing yourself to your neighbour. I see that most Americans (especially in smaller towns and suburbs) hardly know anyone in their neighbourhood. Have we ignored real world social networks at the cost of developing online social networks?
While, I personally think that not knowing neighbors may more often be an urban/suburban phenomenon than a suburban/rural problem, I think Rajesh’s other points are spot on. Let us not forget about our own communities in this increasingly interconnected digital age. Instead of relying solely on social networking web sites, how about inviting your neighbor over for dinner?