Facebook: Proof that Relationships Have Changed

Many people reading the above cartoon will say, “Ain’t this the truth?”, but they are missing the social ramifications Facebook is bringing to society.

At 1,000 “friends” a person who is involved in Facebook is engaging in personal branding, whether they realize it or not. With a network of 1,000 a Facebook profile reaches a tipping point. Statistically, about 20% will open a link or read communication, because they have prior experience at receiving something valuable from that person.

The ability to have conversations with people who self-select as being interested in you and your ideas is a powerful advantage in life, both personally and professionally.

More people would benefit from Facebook if they could confront the fact that social connectivity is changing. I realize many are uncomfortable with this idea for personal and philosophical reasons. Cartoons like the above reflect a deep-seated cultural opposition to this trend. 

But regardless of mainstream social conventions, changes in society continue the same way they do every decade. The survivors — those who will be relevant, meaningful, compelling and engaged — will discover new opportunities,   identify and respond to new trends and ultimately enjoy a more enriching experience of lifelong learning than those who do not participate.