Last week, Alexis and I presented on GroupMe--the group messaging system that relies on its ease of use. The GroupMe application allows for mass communication without any of the uncertainties of texting and the immediate feedback of the Internet.
GroupMe has the ability to encourage communication although it lacks the face-to-face interaction that Turkle says is necessary for actual community. I believe GroupMe does--more than anything else--encourages organization. The organization that GroupMe provides for the ever-busy college student or businessman is irreplaceable by any other group messaging system. GroupMe allows one compartmentalize each conversation and duties accompanied with that group.
I think this technology is a more concentrated version of the messaging on Facebook that is very similar to it. That being said, I do like it very much. It's free, it's simple, and it's got an ability to segregate your friends from your family or employers. I would use this and I would endorse this, however, I wonder if the sense of community to really there or if it's an illusion similar to online dating and if you can really get to know someone or know someone better through a computer.
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