Go offline. Don't be afraid. People have phone numbers and adresses. You will be able to keep in touch. People have been staying in contact without the internet since... forever. Consider the cost of convenience. How has your life changed as a result of online social networking and are you happier because of it? For me the answer was no. So I canned it and my life is more enriched, my relationships more fulfilling, and there is more time in the day to run, work, read and spend quality time with family and friends.
Think of your needs. You need social time like you need to eat. Maybe not as badly, but still. You can eat flaming hot cheetos, baby bottle pops, cookies and drink Red Bulls and satisfy your appetite; but is that good for you? Fulfilling a need doesn't mean the filler is good. Facebook is junk food filler for your social needs. As is gchat, blogging, whatever. We do it for the same reason we eat fast food while on the go. Its quick and easy. No risk, no rejection, no hassle. Well, you reap what you sow. If you eat crap you will look and feel like crap. The more you socialize through crappy channels of communication, the crappier your relationships.
I know because of experience on both sides. Take my word for it! Social life is better when you put your neck out there. Make real friends. Talk to strangers. Share experiences. Socialize like Jesus did. Be more like Him. I don't imagine He would have traded His time teaching and blessing others to sit in front of a screen typing and looking at pictures. When it comes down to it- fulfilling socialization is about communicating love. The best way to do that is in person, through service and kindness.
