Is The Whole World Making Us Become Reclusive??

[Spiderallis]

I've had the same thought passing by some of the places that have closed down. It was always nice to run into someone browsing the same section of the bookstore and have a little chat about a shared interest. Coffee shops have become much less social. Before everyone had some electronic gadget, they used to actually talk with the person across the table. I might not be so reclusive if some of the coffee houses I used to visit were still around. They were the more social and casual type, not assembly lines for cappachinos.

 

[Changing4Best]

I went to go get coffee today, and across the street was this HUUUUGE Boarders that was closed down.

A coffee shop in our small town of 2600 closed maybe about a year ago. Now another one just opened in another location. We also have a Mac Donalds. We still have a movie theatre, 2 discount stores, several small shops that sell hand-made items and or crafts, a Dr's office, a Vet, many thrift stores (I lost count!) etc. None the less, there are far too many closed shops on Main St. OH! But we do have 12 churches, I kid you not. Some small towns this size might only have one church, so what can I say? My point, I don't have one, other than to say that we do have places to meet and greet, as well as 1000s of online choices too. In fact, our town even has its own online service!

 

[Britt.f7]

When I first went on disability, we bought a lap top, which opened my world. I couldn't sit up for the longest time, so it was a miracle for me to surf the web. Better then just watching tv.

Now, however, I am still on disability, but I can get up and go do things and I don't. Mostly mental. I also find my laptop isn't necessarily a healthy window to the world, since I could actually see the world. I do think it is easier to become a recluse if you are already inclined to be. I can shop, favorite past time, all from my living room. No reasons for me to get out and frankly I need reasons.

I've been working on trying to get out of my house for the last four days, today being the fourth. Bad Britt.

 

[Deleted member 10686]

I think that Facebook and other social networking has destroyed our social culture. I just stopped using Facebook because it made me feel unsafe, but also a big reason being that it is all fake. Friends are people that are actively in your life... Not who you never talk to but are "friends" with on Facebook.

It is really hard for me to maintain friendships when most people are living their lives online. It makes me feel extremely isolated even though that's the last thing I want or need.

 

[The Albatross]

Yeah, I don't do social networking or tweets either. Exactly for that reason. Either you want to talk by phone, or visit face to face over a meal or a cup of coffee. I enjoy the "face time" or "voice time" with another human being and find it invaluable to my mental state.

 

[Britt.f7]

I enjoy facebook when people actually interact with me. Sometimes that is the only conversation I'll have that day. I know, sad, but it helps keep me connected when I otherwise wouldn't be.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think I'm the most anti social person on social networks. Lol. I have over 200 Facebook friends but none are true friends, rather just old classmates and co-workers and such. I've hit 12k tweets and I don't know any of my followers nor the people I follow. Go figure. Nothing on either network is personal.

I hate how so many people are foregoing in person interaction for online interaction. Nobody wants to meet or even TALK. it's all texting or messaging----I've lost a number of friends simply because they downright refuse to TALK and hide behind texts. It's sad, really.

 

[memory]

I have to agree, Solara. I once had someone refer to me "as being close" and yet would only email.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I don't get it. Most of what you say isn't actually in the words themselves but in the tone and delivery. Most of this is lost in text only communication. Why are so many people satisfied with a rudimentary (ok you know what I mean) form of communication----for lack of a better word. It's almost as if communication is DE-volving instead of evolving.

 

[Britt.f7]

Someday's that is the only way I can communicate.

 

[memory]

Some days I should not communicate at all. I used to think it was my mouth that got me in trouble.. but no I know my fingers get out of control too.