Now, don't get me wrong. I love technology and am constantly craving the new gadget that comes out. The iPhone for example; I really don't like much about it, but I want one. Why? Probably just the hype, but it is a sexy little device, and for that I have more than once contemplated dropping the money. However, technology in a number of ways has a huge impact on our daily lives with both positive and negative affects. Communicating is made easier where we can talk much easier and in real-time with those far away or otherwise can't reach. But for those that are not too far away it is a limiting factor that hurts the interaction between people.

I am online all day, I have a desk job, and am constantly receiving emails and am on ichat at all times; so I don't think it is really that much of a shock that I talk to people consistently through those mediums. I am at work and online, you are at work and online; Awesome, lets chat. But I do find it strange when I only speak with people through those mediums and I live within a few miles of them, where I could just as easily ride to their house, go get a cup of coffee, or even call them rather then relying on emails, chatting, or (the worst) myspace to deliver a communication.

Now, (this next part may be a bit harsh) I seem to make some distinctions with people and my relationship with them via the way I communicate with them. Close friends I would never consider emailing to see if they want to go for a ride, or wait till they are online to ask how they are doing, and I would expect the same in return. If you truly want to speak with someone and know how they are doing, then I would think the effort to actually pick up the phone or go grab some coffee is an easy task, or in turn receiving the call or invite would be a nice gesture however short or long. Now, not all people are close friends that I get to see on a constant basis due to spatial or temporal conflicts, so online chatting seems to make up for that. Drop a hello, see how things are, etc, but it seems pretty superficial at the same time. Communication in online forms is distant and easily misinterpreted and I do not think compares to sitting down and having an honest interaction with someone. Online communication is limiting our abilities to have meaningful friendships that may not even get the chance to occur since we are too busy talking behind a screen. I would love to step away from the keyboard and go grab a cup of coffee or a short ride and actually talk about things, and probably get to know the person a bit better than if they say 'lol' or rofl' or whatever new acronym is currently being used. When I get emails or myspace messages from people that are within walking distance of where I am at, I have to question there actual intent for such a dialogue. I am not interested in having a gigantic list of 'buddies' or thousands of myspace friends. I want friendships of quality, not quantity, and if the desire on both parties isn't there to pursue an actual friendship, then it probably isn't worth the time.

Now I realize that there is a huge irony in this, and even hypocrisy on my part, and I am not speaking of everyone. There are countless people that I have been able to meet through this site and myspace that I have not met in person (though hopefully a number of those I will eventually) and would not have met otherwise. Those people I am not directing this at, and in fact I am not really directing this to anyone at all. I just wish that it was a bit simpler to step away from the computer and focus on those things that are immediately around you.

On another note,
I am going to be adding comments on after this post. I would love to hear from the, i think, 3 people that read this on what they think about the crap I say. Keep it positive, so only productive criticism. I will be managing the comments since I don't want this to go the hate route that too many other forums I used to frequent have. Hope to hear from you all soon!