I’ve been very lucky to have a handful of great diabetes daily members close to where I live. We’ve had a handful of very informal social visits over the past year or so, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know more great people, with great stories, great lessons, and great wisdom. I walk away from each and every meeting with something new to think about, and I love it!
One of the more recent meetings we did something a little different. We had a couple of laptop computers, some wireless internet, and some remote PWD’s who wanted in on the fun. We quickly burned over an hour trying to iron out all of the technical kinks, but were able to get folks online and chatting. It was pretty dang cool.
What is neat about this is that it opens doors for many people who don’t have anyone nearby, or who face other challenges in getting out to meet other folks living with diabetes. I think it is a really neat way to tap into that “next level” of connection, and it adds a lot of value for us to visit with people facing the same things.
But there was something about it that caught me off guard. It seemed to drain the intimacy out of our meeting, and for some people that is exactly what they come for. Computers and technology can sometimes do that, and I’ve witnessed it in many different ways. I think I can understand both sides.
The hard thing for me is that I value BOTH aspects of this. Living with diabetes is so damn isolating that I can really appreciate the positive effect this new communication might offer. But I also see the other side of it, and very much value the intimacy and comfort that an in-person meeting brings.
Living with diabetes is already an exercise in balance. Everything in our lives is about balance. Who the heck would have thought that balance would budge into a social gathering?!
Why should we need to pick and choose? Can’t we have it both ways?
So many questions. I’d love to hear what you all think, and if you’ve ever experienced something like this, either diabetes related or otherwise.
I’m brand new to diabetes, therefore I’ve never participated in any sort of meet and great. But I was thinking that if DD members had eachother on say yahoo’s messenger, and they all had headphones with mic’s, they could do an online conference chat and talk with eachother. Better than typing, posting, waiting for comments, etc. And not everyone has or is comfortable with web cams. Just a thought.
Late to the party, as usual! Scott, you didn’t tell me you were a big time blogger! What an honor. : ) (Alright, I knew) In regard to meet ups, I like it all. You know I love technology. I loved being in Malaysia for a day. Our clumsy first attempt to connect raises some questions as to how far we, as the TC Meet Up group, can spread ourselves. Eventually there are limits to whom (how many) we can connect with, for how long and how far. From a time commitment standpoint, have we made meaningful connections or just… Read more »
The intimacy of an in-person, face-to-face meeting cannot be matched completely through technology, though it can bring people who are miles apart much closer together…and it’s great for that! It’s interesting to see people who are out together (at a restaurant or in some public place) using technology to connect to others who are not present, and it is not at all uncommon anymore. Sometimes I feel like butting in and saying to them, “Hey, what about that person across the table from you?” In those situations, I prefer being in the moment with the person right there in front… Read more »
lol me again!!martain im sorry you did that,as i thought it was clear that we were only having a meeting to discuss what we need to do.there was no tech stuff!. i really wish there was no sides to this. lol talking about d is the main thing,but for myself i dont have that many d stories!!when we have repeated the same stories twice do we pack up and go are separate ways? trying to talk to hannah ben and loyd was great!i think also there is a fear of the unknown here.we are letting things or i guess what… Read more »
Scott, How far outside the Cities do you expand. I am not sure that this may work for everyone, but for some that have no connection to others, this could be what gives them the courage to continue. I agree that there are two sides and for some one side may be enough while for others, there is the hope for something more – that moment that didn’t seem like much at the time, but later reinforces the positive feeling and keeps the battle successful. I am encouraged just to see many of the younger generations who are more tech-minded… Read more »