Putting Yourself Out There...

SO, because I am part of an online PR class this semester, I feel it is only appropriate to talk about social media and role it plays in our lives.

With the emergence of the Internet, Facebook and Twitter there is only one rule: Share everything.

Since I enrolled in this course at Centennial College, I have tried my best to stay up to date with the latest and greatest social media inventions.

I jumped on the Facebook bandwagon during my first year of university. I thought it was a great way to stay in touch with people who I went to high school with, but it was also a great way (and cheaper way) to stay in touch with close friends who had gone to university far away from home. More recently, I have realized the power that social media sites have in bringing people closer together... even people you might have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Today, I am still on Facebook, and although I wrestle with the idea of deactivating my account everyday, I can't seem to bring myself to do it. Recently, I have booked a 7-week European Adventure beginning at the end of June. I am traveling with Contiki Tours and of course joined the Facebook group that coincided with my tour dates. Since joining the group, I have met and talked to several Australians who will be joining the tour as well.

The fact that I can talk to people across the world before ever meeting them boggles my mind... so here are a few facts:

• There are over 350 million active users on Facebook



• More than 350 billion pieces of content are shared each week (including links, news stories, blog posts, photo albums, etc)



• An average user spends at least 55 minutes a day on Facebook



• An average user writes 25 comments on content each month



• More then 70 translations are available on the site



• About 70% of Facebook users are outside of the United States

So although I think "The Book" is a great way to expand your social network, such as meeting new people from all over the world, but there is one thing that "urks" me about this new fad. There is a sense of personal contact that has been lost. I no longer need to pick up the phone and call someone to find out how they have been over the last few weeks. I don't ever wonder how "so-in-so's" New Years Eve party was, because I can view their photos the next day. I can even tell who my boyfriend messaged today without even talking to him directly.

I can't help but wonder, has social media taken the "social" out of "social life?"

The Beginning...

It's January 28, 2010 and I am 23 years old... almost.

After four years of University I decided to pursue Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Centennial College in Toronto. That meant moving out of my university house and home to Mississauga with my parents and younger sister. Do you feel like I'm moving backwards?

Sometimes I do.

To quote Marie Forleo in her book, "I should be much farther along by now". Since I have moved back home, I have felt the urge to bang my head against my Ikea desk, while my Brock University degree stares at me questioningly. Even now I am struggling with what theme to write for this blog, but why not start with introducing myself.

There is not much to know about me as of right now.... perhaps I'm approaching a quarter-life crisis?

Pretty much just young, broke and fabulous.

But seriously, I will tell you that I am a firm believer in rich ingredients... not just in food, but in love and life. Although I have lived just outside of Toronto (Lorne Park, Mississauga) all of my life, I still feel like a tourist and have been spending the last few months getting acquainted with the wonderful city of Toronto.

With an itch for traveling, a passion for arts and culture and a career in public relations (hopefully), I am excited to explore this glorious city, and share my adventures with you along the way.