Each time you blink, it seems the social side of the internet has grown exponentially. If you're a social maven, you might belong to a multitude of communities, author blogs regularly and even maintain a Twitter presence. 

Mark Schaefer, on his Businesses Grow blog, Social Web Ushers in "The Era of Alone" opines that social networks and media are creating layers of connectivity among those who spend most of their time alone. He believes people's interactions with others are done electronically, rather than face-to-face, and there are those whose only purpose in visiting a coffee shop is for their free WiFi, not the opportunity to meet others.

While I can't speak for others, I disagree with Mark's opinion. With my first foray into the world of bulletin boards (BBS services) in the mid-80s, through the explosion of the internet in the 90s and beyond, I've found social media to be a very friendly, warm place and have had the opportunity to get to know, and meet face-to-face, quite a few really wonderful folks whose interests range from a shared spiritual belief system to cooking to the love of the Macintosh. Heck, I met my husband in a chat room!

It's true, I know many more people virtually than I've met in person, but as opportunities for meeting arise, I'm always eager to take them. 

As a fairly avid Facebook user, the great majority of FB friends are people I've met at one time or another. While that may not be true for most, I have to wonder if they feel as I do -- if the chance to meet presents itself, wouldn't they want to meet these friends?

What does social media do for you? Do you consider yourself virtually social? Are you more social online than off?