I came across this Mashable article talking about real-life examples of how social media has positively impacted local communities. For all of the negative that is written about how social networking is transforming our world into de-humanized virtual interactions with make-believe "friends", these stories are examples of the positive power that social media can bring even to the smallest of communities.
I hear so-called experts opine that the social web is generally the pasttime of big city dwellers and that it will be years before more rural areas really catch on. I don't buy it. The fact that Facebook might help someone in a small town of 6000 folks find their lost pet is evidence that social networking is shrinking the world, both globally and locally, in new and positive ways.
Yes, social networking does have its less than positive implications. Yet, it is here and it will stay. It's time to get in the game and help create more of these "feel good" moments. Not necessarily for your "friends" in far away places but just as important for your real friends who live down the street.
'Till next time
Russ