The Ties That Bind

Is Facebook making us lonely? Or, to cut to the chase, are Twitter, Google+, Facebook and their cohorts making us socially awkward curmudgeons, who are also lonely?

This is the question du jour and the subject of recent articles appearing in The New York Times and The Atlantic, as well as countless blogs. 

Critics charge that the web of shallow—and ultimately unsatisfying—connections and pseudo conversations enabled by social media are replacing tangible interpersonal skills and (enriching) vis-à-vis banter. Aside from a hoodie-clad Mark Zuckerberg, who is to blame for this alleged de-evolution?

Apparently you and I, as we revel in our imagined “cock pits,” equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, Spotify and G-chat. I won't attempt to explore such a gargantuan issue in a paltry 400 words or so. I will, however, say that my two-day (okay, 1.5 to be exact) hiatus from Facebook and Twitter while at the PLRB/LIRB conference in Orlando was refreshing. That is, until the blinking light of my voicemail and glare of a testy inbox triggered a fight-or-flight response.

You should probably know that I have a love-loathe relationship with business events and conferences in general. You, too? The loathing primarily refers to the fluctuation in creature comforts, such as readily available chocolate, temperature control, and happy feet. Also, the fear of Princess Pee Pee's wrath upon my return home is pretty powerful. 

As for the love affair part, one of the most enjoyable aspects of attending conferences, to me at least, is the rich tradition of storytelling. One finds him or herself meandering through the exhibit hall, talking shop and gathering tchotchkes one minute, and then sharing life's work and even disappointments over tea or a bus ride. This latest conference was no different. On the first day, an endearing group of forensic accountants, litigators and adjusters befriended me. Talk about good fortune! They shared experiences as unique as the claims and policyholders they encounter. Meanwhile, I learned about evaluating BI claims for double-dipping in between grumblings about Ayn Rand and how long it takes the human body to digest a steak. It is quite possible that I hugged three people and met two others with whom I have corresponded electronically over a period of many months.

These are the ties I cherish. What was your experience at the show? Did you make new friends or perhaps some Twitter followers?