http://markpeters.co.uk/2009/08/social-networking-can-damage-your-health/ International Award Winning Breakfast presenter, programme controller and events PA Sun, 30 May 2010 08:15:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://markpeters.co.uk/2009/08/social-networking-can-damage-your-health/comment-page-1/#comment-24 Ann Hawkins Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:05:17 +0000 http://markpeters.co.uk/?p=444#comment-24 Dr Sigman made some good points about on-line activity hindering the development of some physical social skills in young children but, as with so many 'experts', then threw the baby out with the bathwater. The reason people spend so much time with on-line friends is that you don't have to put up with the bores, the bullies and the bull... Proximity is no recommendation. Just because I live in the same street or went to the same school doesn't mean I want to spend time with those people - on line I can CHOOSE to interact with stimulating, funny, interesting people. He said "I don't believe you can be friends with anyone you haven't met" and from his dismissive attitude he obviously hasn't tried what millions of people are experiencing and enjoying - making friends in the virtual world with real people who turn into real friends. The barriers of location, age, social status, nationality, gender and ethnicity are swept away on-line and peole form more enjoyable relationships because they are simply individuals. There may be physical drawbacks to on-line relatioships but the emotional benefits are huge. (Maybe thats the clue to why so many people do it!) Dr Sigman made some good points about on-line activity hindering the development of some physical social skills in young children but, as with so many ‘experts’, then threw the baby out with the bathwater. The reason people spend so much time with on-line friends is that you don’t have to put up with the bores, the bullies and the bull… Proximity is no recommendation. Just because I live in the same street or went to the same school doesn’t mean I want to spend time with those people – on line I can CHOOSE to interact with stimulating, funny, interesting people. He said “I don’t believe you can be friends with anyone you haven’t met” and from his dismissive attitude he obviously hasn’t tried what millions of people are experiencing and enjoying – making friends in the virtual world with real people who turn into real friends. The barriers of location, age, social status, nationality, gender and ethnicity are swept away on-line and peole form more enjoyable relationships because they are simply individuals. There may be physical drawbacks to on-line relatioships but the emotional benefits are huge. (Maybe thats the clue to why so many people do it!)

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