Change ...Good or Bad?

           I do not agree with Williams Deresiewcz's position in his article titled Faux Friendship. He brings up the idea that friendship in itself has changed over time. I agree with that idea. However, the author implies that somehow this change is a bad thing. One may ask themselves by reading this article if change is a good or bad thing. Change is neither a good or a bad thing.
            It is a known fact that in life things change, people change, and it is not a surprising factor that  we operate our friendships differently in today's society. In the article Deresiewicz states that the ancients friendships were rare, precious, and hard-won. Is he implying that since we have newer technology and different means of communicating that we no longer have rare, precious, and hard-won friendships? He also bring up the christian model of relationships. However, this has nothing to do with social networking.
            Social networking is designed to help people connect faster and more efficiently. This takes away from nothing being that we still have access to the previous models of communication that were exhibited prior to our current generation.

-Ryan Gates

Social Networking has good points and bad.  I can keep up with friends and family that live in other parts of the country.  I can comment on the accomplishments of friends’ children or make wisecracks about their comments.  It is a break in a monotonous day or a pick me up.  However, young people are losing an opportunity to get to know other people in a more personal way. Making a contact by reaching out and shaking hands or giving a hug is something special.  My 82 year old mother wanted to learn how to use email because the church newsletter is now sent by email.  The choir director had to call her to let her know what the choir would be doing for the month.  Her complaint was that she likes talking to people.  She wants the interaction she had with the church secretary and the choir director.  She misses the phone calls. Social networking is causing people to miss out on something very, very important… personal touch.

By Jane Adamson-Merrill