In the last few years, I’ve read lots of hand-wringing columns in magazines and newspapers worrying about whether the Internet/Facebook/email, etc is leading to increased physical isolation between people. Is all this electronic communication coming at the expense of one-to-one real connections between people and undermining our physical communities?
From where I’m sitting, just the opposite seems to be the case.
* City wide – Here on Village14 and on the Tab blog, daily discussion of local Newton issues seems to help engage citizens in all sorts of local issues that we may not otherwise know about or pay attention to me. It certainly works that way for me. Likewise the city web site, Andrea Downs’ “Muni-Wonk” digest, various organizations email newsletters help people follow the issues, meetings, etc. that they’re interested in. Anytime I turn up at some real world meeting in Newton, there’s always a sizable contingent of attendees who are regular readers and/or contributors to the city blogs. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
* Neighborhoods – Most villages in the city have some combination of Facebook page, email newsletter, Google Group, etc that keep neighbors connected. Here in my neighborhood, the Upper Falls News has over and over again helped recruit volunteers to help with all sorts of neighborhood activities – everything from the Hemlock Gorge cleanups, to the Feast of The Falls, to NewtonServes projects. Once those neighbors turn up for one of these events, they make lasting real-world connections with new neighbors and friends. Aside from these sort of organizational benefits, these neighborhood forums also link old-timers with newcomers and provide a way for neighbors to share news, history, stories, etc.
* Projects – In organizing local projects it’s hard to imagine doing it without the aid of electronic communication. With no money and little effort it’s easy to now put together an email list/Facebook page/Google Group of neighbors interested in any particular project. Once one of these groups has the ability to communicate instantly among themselves, projects can take shape quickly with different people being involved as much or as little as their schedule or inclinations allow. My favorite example of this was the Eggcellent Breakfast that instantly materialized last spring one Sunday morning under Echo Bridge. An email went out, a crowd turned up, they all brought food and supplies, neighbors met neighbors for the first time and a fine neighborhood party materialized out of thin air.
* Personal – I’m inspired to write this morning because my family was dealing with a sudden medical emergency this weekend (don’t worry, all’s well now). I put a brief note on Facebook on Friday night about the situation. Aside from the many, many kind words from near and far, it inspired a number of real-world neighbors to contact us with practical offers of help as well as much-appreciated treats being delivered to our door (cookies, Irish bread, mmmm).
So rather than the electronic communication undermining real world connections, mostly what I’m seeing is the electronic bolsters the physical connections.
What’s your experience, your thoughts?
That’s been my experience, too. I’m very grateful for the internet and the many communities I’m part of because of it.
I agree. My wife and I just moved to Newton and we’re a lot more aware of the issues in the community, thanks to this website. It’s also gotten us out and about exploring the neighborhoods. Keep up the good work!
…although I was a bit surprised by the “Shouldn’t Geoff Epstein be apologizing” and “Austin St. project foe urges fellow opponents to inflate parking study” articles last week – they seemed to be quite a bit more provocative than the normal tone of conversation on Village14. Is this a new direction, or has it always been thus? Understandably, both topics seemed to hit an emotional chord with readers and evoked some very strong responses, but looking on as an impartial reader on both topics, the articles and discussions seem to have been unnecessarily personalized.
@Michael – it both is and isn’t typical of the normal conversation on Village14. Periodically the temperature rises and the tone changes on certain topics, certain threads, or with particular people rubbing each other the wrong way. Usually the temperature backs down before long.
I do like the spirited threads about things that matter to people … but like you, I’m disappointed when the comments veer into the personal.
Personal? Personal? Oh Jerry, you are such an ignoramus!!!
Actually, @Micheal, Jerry is being nice, as usual. Different posters here have different styles, which I believe is one of Village 14 strengths. Different issues inspire different conversations too. Wait and see what happens during the next election cycle.
It’s not always a good result. An ad-hoc e-mail list can be a weapon in the hands of the wrong people and do lasting damage to a neighborhood. You’ve got a bunch of counter-examples, Jerry, and your participation in those groups and your perennial optimism has a lot to do with why they’re so successful.
@Adam – whew! Next time I see you, I want to hear some stories.