Comments on: Can our social skills be hurt or helped by what we do online?

By: zzirf

zzirf — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:24:31 +0000

Yes, there is something to what you say for sure – but it is also like not being able exercise the body – we end up compromising to make up for the lack. I stretch a lot and I sit at the computer a lot rather than sit and stare into space. It is easier and safer and many see it as a cop out but there is not too much incentive for me to develop my social skills face-to-face any more. And I am not sure I need to since I tend to revert to my “old bubbly chatty self” as soon as the pain and fatigue are gone – so maybe I am not even losing those skills – they are just being hidden.

I was a bit concerned that you were actually being too hard on yourself by honing in on something that you perceive to be a weakness in you. We all do what we have to.

By: K. Restoule

K. Restoule — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 03:16:12 +0000

why does everyone else response seemed to be so thought out, while I sound like a dumb ass?

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:20:46 +0000

A good point, and one well made.

I certainly found that when my social interactions were limited to those online, it further inhibited my natural lack of skills.

Like Nik, I’m very rarely able to strike up a conversation with someone in real life, and even now I’m not good at ‘small-talk’ – I dry up quickly, leading to uncomfortable pauses.

I believe that there’s only one cure for this, though – and that’s exposure to other people with _better_ social skills. Since getting with my current partner, we’re always out and about in a much larger social circle than I’ve ever had, and I frequently have to meet and converse with strangers. I’ve found that the more I’ve had to do it, the more I can (though I still don’t like doing it!).

Good post, one that I hope will lead to more discussions.

Neilx

By: Nik ( loudmouthman ) Butler

Nik ( loudmouthman ) Butler — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:33:39 +0000

Now here is something interesting , your blog was agreggated to me faster than MediaJoltz , still here is what I think for those readers not dropping to the other link.

This really seems to be a conversation for many people today. What with the conversation at PodcampUK and with MediaJolts recent article

http://www.mediajoltz.com/2007/10/03/are-online-relationships-impeding-our-social-skills/

Im not sure whom these Social Skills police are that are rushing around blaming the internet for a lack of social graces. I am sure they used to blame television, rock music or books for just such social crimes.

Im probably the most gregarious of individuals I know but honestly people in the real world will barely open a conversation with a stranger let alone acknowledge them.

Does it not appear we are all getting better at sharing ideas and thoughts here.

Doesnt this seem to break the social ice for many of us especially when we first meet up.

Great post, thanks for sharing.

Nik

By: Lorri Randle

Lorri Randle — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:44:31 +0000

Hey you! I never saw the link to the website till I came here. Thanks for the comments! I actually took a day to make my own post about it too.
I pose the different sides: Online people feel more comfortable, vs online not being good.

What I am finding out is that while people aren’t connecting in “real life” as much as they use to, those people they are connecting to online they feel closer too. Interesting thoughts. You can read the post and comments over here:
http://www.mediajoltz.com/2007/10/03/are-online-relationships-impeding-our-social-skills/