Since the beginning of time men and women have gathered together to tell stories, share information, debate and communicate, but the forms of communication have changed over the years. Long ago we could gather around a fire and tell stories. Today, that’s called going on vacation or camping. Of course we still love to sit around a fire and tell stories and roast marshmallows, but now we don’t need a fire or even need to be in the same state.
Back in the day sending a letter could take more than a couple days. In the mid 1800s they used what they called Pony Express. As the fastest mode of travel for information at the time, people could send letters from East to West and back again. With the introduction of letters in the modern-day mail system and the telephone, communication got even faster. As technology continued to advance we were presented with email, cell phones and text messaging. Now many cell phones have the ability to connect to the internet and offer access almost anywhere in the world.
The new age
We are in an age of information. Anything you could ever hope to learn is at your fingertips and sharing that information is just as easy. With the many different social media channels available to us, finding and searching for news, information and stories…just happens. Many times you don’t need to search at all. Many people who participate in social media are passing on what they hear about or find interesting. We have the ability to hear about news first. You don’t have to wait for 5 o’clock or the prime-time news anymore. You can boot up your computer, pull up the internet and log in. Like the speed of light and the speed of sound, news and information seems to move almost as fast.
It’s not all about news, it’s about relevancy
Not everyone wants to learn about news and information, some want to learn about the latest music or movies that are coming out. The great thing about the internet and social media or social networking is that you are not alone. You can find others who have the same interests you do and get involved. You can have your opinion and share it. Others can comment on your thoughts and ideas. You can engage in discussions in forums, chat rooms and websites.
People are still coming together to tell stories, share information, debate and communicate. For some people the conversation may not have changed at all. What has changed is the time and place for where these interactions take place.
We all have time, you just have to decide if you want to participate in the conversation. The only other thing that’s different is now we have a vehicle that can take us anywhere.
What interests do you have?
What do you like to learn, teach or talk about? Are you involved in any social media sites already? If you are, but have not taken to time to try out your new wheels, what are you waiting for?
Here are the keys. You have the vehicle. The roadmap is direction. You just have to decide where you want to go. Take it for a spin and see what you think.