MattSnodBlog

A recent New York Times article talked about how the Internet and social networks are replacing the watercooler as the venue for talk about TV. Anyone who has been Tweeting during a big TV event like President Obama's state of the union address knows that to be true.

Social network chatter has, to a large degree, replaced and enhanced the watercooler talk. What's more, these discussions aren't just happening with your friends and co-workers. They're happening with people you've never met and may never meet. Now that's connecting.

What bothered me, however, was an opinion follow-up to the article that bemoans the loss of real, human connections, thanks to the Internet. I disagree. I've made so many more friends -- real friends -- thanks to social networks. In fact, social networks have helped me and others reconnect to past friendships that would otherwise be lost to time if not for Facebook, Twitter, et al. Furthermore, real connections are enhanced thanks to social media. It helps you maintain your relationships in between those times when you meet face to face.