Who would have thought that in the 21st century, the World Wide Web would be a mecca for connecting and interacting with people from all walks of life? The web has made our big world much smaller. It’s changed the way we do business, pay our bills, enjoy various aspects of entertainment, and even make new friends.
I’ve envisioned “W. W. W.” not only as a place for all that’s mentioned above but also a place where WOMEN WORLD WIDE would take friendships to a whole new level. I’ve indeed experienced this first hand. Girlfriends are no longer just our old school friends, sorority sisters, co-workers or neighbors.
Girlfriends today are forming through various social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. It’s a whole new generation of friends—Digital Girlfriends, friends who’ve met online.
Several years ago, being new to the internet trying to navigate through this overwhelming piece of technology, I formed certain opinions about the web as many have. “The internet is huge, it’s mysterious, unsafe and that it would be impossible to meet real friends.“
While that may hold some truth and you do have to be vigilant online at all times. I, however had a misconception of online friendships based on some negative reports of relationships gone wrong. Relationships go wrong all the time whether it’s on or off line but to automatically assume that it’s impossible to meet genuine people and become friends…I was wrong.
Two years ago on October 16th, 2008 I somehow landed on Twitter (a micro-blogging, social network that only allows you to send messages in 140 characters or less). Yes, as lost as I was, I quickly caught on and was amazed by all the strangers that responded to my quest for help and guidance through this social network.
While still guarding my heart and my safety, inch by inch, day by day, I grew more comfortable with this new way of interacting and connecting with people from all over the world. Now, it was time to go from Tweeting to Meeting and I was scared.
Sarah Evans (SEVANS Strategy-hometown Digital Girlfriend) was hosting a Tweet Up (local people on Twitter gather to meet & mingle). I recall how nervous I was about going, afraid of all the weirdos I’ve heard about online, and scared for my safety. As it turned out, the meet- up was far from anything that plagued my mind. I’m not suggesting that you go and meet online strangers. Please be cautious.
It was this first tweet up that opened my eyes and heart to a whole new way of connecting with others. In the months following, Twitter has allowed me to meet girlfriends not only from coast to coast but also incredible women right from my own backyard, which wouldn’t have been possible. We’ve not only gone from “Tweeting to Meeting” but much more.
We’ve collaborated on projects, traveled together, attend conferences and events and even host an online web show: Chicagonista Live; but most of all, we’ve developed a great friendship in the process.
We’re all different, yet we’re always supportive of one another in our own journeys.
Meet a few of my Digital Girlfriends… Beth Rosen (4 Keys Media) MJ Tam (Chicagonista), and Nancy Loo (Big Tiny)…
Photo by: Chicagonista LIVE! Photo Shoot
Taken by: Fabie De Silva
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this post… and you!
Such a blessing to have you all in my life! Duong – thanks for bringing us Digital Girlfriends.
LOVE that photo of you girls — Rock the digital, ladies!