Meetup is a site that I have looked at before and considered as something interesting; but after watching their promo video, I am a huge fan of their website and the concept behind what they are doing. This has the potential to let people actually socially network, not just socially network online.
On a personal note the exteme extrovert in me screams, “YES!! Time with people!” I have also engaged in several conversation recently about electronic communication and how we relate and minister to people in a world that is void of face to face conversations.
I often lean to the side of allowing our technology to be a great avenue for real conversation and meaningful interaction. I do agree that it makes us unsure and less proficient at relating to one another when we interact in person. I know from personal experience that my relationships with people would be severely hampered if I wasn’t sending emails, texting, and using Facebook. I also think that ministries that are online like To Write Love on Her Arms, XXXchurch, HeartSupport are doing insightful and profound ministry to a technology culture.
The Meetup concept does however make my mind run with the possibilities of people getting together and forming serious communities commited to the world in ways never before seen. Whether we want to brush up on our Arabic or work in vibrant and holistic ministries in a post-modern culture. Don’t get me wrong I believe online and tech interaction is a real and profound part of communication. I also firmly believe that I can have a relationship with someone online. Sure I will be in your online community and share thoughts, love, patience and kindness with you there, but I think sitting down reading someone’s body language, hearing their laugh and looking them in the eye is a way our bodies and minds experience the realities of other people.
We need to be in that reality. Online reality is great but our minds and our bodies want more. If you have more thoughts Facebook me or text me or comment on my blog and we’ll talk about it. We could also go grab coffee.
I wish we could grab coffee…