Authentic Online Community Connection

1. Authentic Online Community Connection Technology is amazing. It has spawned advances in medicine saving lives, time, and improving our quality of life. But how much have we sacrificed to live in a culture where everyone is always connected but nobody is really connecting? How much of ourselves are we losing the more we immerse ourselves in the digital world? The generation that grew up hooked to smart phones, tablets, and laptops define themselves predominately by their online presence on social media networks and networking sites. At what cost? We seem to have lost the desire or need to make eye contact with others while speaking. Beyond a common courtesy, making eye contact is a vital leadership skill needed for empathic listening. Parents know how it feels when their children fail to look up from their tablet when they are speaking to them. Or how frustrating is to hear “just one more round?” One round turns into another hour of playing time. Everyone has experienced a friend or colleague who wants to talk to you while also replying to texts or instant messaging. Granted if it’s an emergency they have to respond immediately but 99% of the time it can wait. But living in this digital age it seems that virtually all social networks cultivate a sense of urgency. Their algorithms keep us constantly checking, constantly wondering, constantly worrying…is someone else having a better time right now? Am I cool enough? What do people think about me? The iamU.com social networking site was created to address these problems facing society. To give people a healthy alternative for online connection, however, with a philosophical

2. difference from other social media networks. iamU educates. When it is dinner time, it’s time to disconnect. We need to get back to the time when family memories were created around the dinner table. If your friend comes over for dinner focus on your friend not your phone. Whatever is on your phone can wait, your friend may not be so inclined to wait if you continue looking at your phone. Also, people need to learn how to engage with others in conversation. Face-to-face, real time. Skype and WhatsApp are perfect for connecting with relatives or friends living overseas but people need to remember how to pick up the phone or just leave the house to go visit someone instead of relying merely on social network connection. The feeling you get when you know someone is truly engaged in conversation with you is indescribable. It is a feeling of love, kindness, understanding. We all need to feel valued but it’s

3. important to remember that our value comes from within. The problem with many networking sites is they have been formulated through science and psychology to make you link your personal value to the number of likes or followers you have. This is another philosophical difference with iamU.com—you are free to be yourself and just connect with others who like what you like. It’s a simple yet profound concept in social media: keep it real. Connection never had to become so contrived. Social media has become negative. We need to understand we are all connected, we are an interwoven species that have an impact on everything we touch. Where is the humility? Where is the forgiveness? The world already has enough hatred. We need platforms for connection that stimulate thought, creativity, and generosity. Humanity must evaluate its flaws and make changes for the good of all. We have to challenge our beliefs and question the status quo. Why do we keep using certain networking sites that have become detrimental to our health and the health of our children? Society needs knowledge, compassion, and unity. We are all part of the common thread of existence and need to think critically about each of our roles in the environment and society. Human beings are social beings. We do not fare well in isolation. By creating and joining communities on iamU people can get the sense of belonging they yearn for. Plus, no more trying to make people like what you like. Users can feel acceptance which according to many psychologists is the number one need after all basic needs have been filled. Many people are looking for alternative networking sites because they are tired of feeling rejected. They just want authentic connection where they can feel part of a community whether it is a community of photographers or salsa dancers. People crave attention but many face attention deficit (not

4. in the way you are thinking AD/HD but rather they just don’t get enough attention in life). Many are ignored or feel left out in social settings. They need a platform to tell their story. Social media has caused tremendous divisiveness in society across the globe. It is time for change. We must go back to the basics of the human species and remember we work better together not alone. Being around other people and connecting online with people who are similar can add to our support systems helping to decrease stress and improve well-being… making us more resilient. Only use social media that is contributing to the goodness in your life not eroding it. Take a stance on what is unhealthy for your kids. Set boundaries with all social networks having a negative effect on you or your children. If we can connect back to nature and to our true selves we will feel less lonely, less disconnected, and more empowered. For more Details, Contact Us: https://www.iamu.com/ support@iamu.com Tags: Social Network, social media platforms, Social media, iamU, iamU.com, Global Social Network, Online Community, networking sites, social networking site