Posted on by Frank - Follow me on Twitter

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It seems that social networking for some people is becoming the new form of email and who could blame them?  A quicker means of communication with less wait time for a response.  I noticed this was becoming a trend of sorts when people started using “CC” in their tweets as if they were copying someone on an email.  It is the same idea, but instead of using an email address, you replace it with their Twitter username.  Does this mean email is dead?

Personally, email I don’t think will ever die.  It’s one of those forms of communication that has been around forever.  It’s like asking if people are going to stop talking to one another face to face.  However, social networking is extremely beneficial when you need an answer immediately.  It has become a growing method of obtaining information and developing relationships.  When it comes down to it, I feel email is still more personal.  It’s interaction that you share with one other person and not the entire world.  I believe that alone is what keeps email in the game.

Email is what I choose even though I love social networking.  I’ve heard some say that if social networking sites like Twitter or Facebook died tomorrow, they wouldn’t care.  I believe them too. Some really don’t need the tools as much as others do to network, build community, or interact in general.  Although, you have others that really heavily on these sites and could very well be lost without them.  Its very hard to put a stamp on the question in terms of which form of communication is most important.  Both are extremely important, but neither is going anywhere.  Social Networking could very well be the alternative form of email, but who knows? I can say with confidence that social networking would by no means kill of the idea of email.

Email is an ego booster for some people because attention is focused primarily on them.  Many people also like checking their email, like myself, and enjoy that one on one communication with people.  The important thing that we all need to make sure we don’t loose is the ability to talk face to face with people and not be socially awkward.  Social networking and email has been known to cause some to lack in social skills.  That is a little puzzling when using email and social networking is being social.  You’re still talking so how can you not do it in person?

I digress, but social networking is becoming the more powerful way to communicate due to the quick responses.  Some prefer to be contacted through Twitter than their email and that shows the power that these tools have for some.  Which tool would you choose?  Actually, it’s probably a better question to ask, which provides you with the form of communication that you are looking for?  It is an interesting thing to see how communication has evolved over the years and taking note of the fact that not everyone operates the same.

Further reading:

Interview With Robert Scoble – Future Of FriendFeed And Other Networks

Me Being Interviewed By TheNerdTV On Social Networking Strategies

FormSpring.Me – A Game Changer In Social Networking?

10 Important Things About Being Social

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