Okay - I know that is a big prediction. Facebook changing the world...but I think we're seeing something that is very intriguing and we may be reaching a tipping point soon with social media. I don't think it will only be for the teens of the world or the business networking community. I think this is becoming an important part of our culture.
It may not be Facebook - although they are way ahead of the curve, but I do think that social media is grabbing hold in a way that is much more expansive and mainstream everyday. Why? Look at my most recent connections:
- Kristin, my cousin - we live 3,000 miles away and I've met her once in my life. She found me on Facebook.
- Gretchen, my Aunt - Over 60 years old. Impressive and connecting on Facebook.
- Margaret, my best friend from high school's mother - Again, an over 60 year old woman. Not your social media profile type, right?
- Lorra - a friend I haven't seen in 12 years found me on Facebook.
- Monica - a friend from college I havent seen in 16 years that found my friend on Facebook and in turn found me.
The point - these are people that I might not otherwise have been able to reconnect or stay in touch with. What does it mean? Beyond business (though there is the potential for that) it changes things as dramatically as the snail mail once did. It's an entirely new form of connecting and staying connected that we wouldn't otherwise have had.
Instead of people moving swiftly in and out of your life, what if you could develop, cultivate, and maintain lifetime connections this way? Think of the possibilities.
Who have you connected with on Facebook (or other social media) that was a suprise?
9/23 Update: I just got a 'Friend Request' from my MOTHER!!! Either she is becoming very cutting edge with her tech exposure (not) or Facebook is just becoming more and more mainstream.
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