Maybe if people are writing a blog, they are more engaged than they otherwise would be. Still, it is more a case of blogs don’t influence people. Influential people who write blogs influence people.
The form does have a lot of merit. The immediate feedback loops and reader engagement allowed through blogging is definitely democratising. But, a world communicating their fears, hopes and ideas to each other through computer screens is losing touch with the tangible nature of real community relationships.
That we can no longer share our thoughts over a coffee or a beer, but must go home and type them on the computer is another demonstration of people losing their physical connection with each other.
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Bloggers know each other by pseudonyms and URLs. They are connected by computer terminals and telephone lines. A blogger can log off and disappear at any time, never to be seen again. There isn’t much serious commitment to the bevy of relationships formed online.
The greatest influence that blogging is having, is on the nature of our human relationships.
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About the Author
Journalist and columist with The Age, Sushi Das says he is ‘one of today’s young rebels’. Author and ethicist Leslie Cannold has referred to him as one of her ‘gorgeous men’.
Daniel Donahoo is fellow with OzProspect, a non-partisan, public policy think tank. He writes regularly for Australia's daily papers and consults on child and family issues. A father to two boys. Daniel's first book is called Idolising Children and explores our society’s obsession with childhood and youth. Updates on Daniel's work can be found at www.danieldonahoo.com.
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