Get Out of My Face(book)!

Remember when when social networking sites were regarded as another way in which the world was opening up. Looking for your best friend from playschool? Get on Facebook and you'll find them. It was probably around about the same time that religious denominations decided that Noddy and Big Ears were gay, the Teletubbies were direct descendants of Satan and the witches, wizards and goblins of Harry Potter and Narnia were the catalysts for subliminal messages corrupting youth and innocence.

The latest however is that the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England has slammed social networking sites stating that modern technology is "undermining people's ability to communicate, retarding social skills and in worst case scenarios, increasing suicide risks." Pretty strong I'd say but lets dissect it before we decide what side of the fence we're sitting on.

It is true that communication has become muddied and has to an extent, evolved to something unimaginable a hundred or more years ago. While the world has opened up, people have shut down in a way. Lonely love seekers would rather risk it behind a computer than offer to buy the object of their affections a drink. Shopaholics don't even have to leave the house to get the latest and greatest deals online.

OK, so we don't get out much but when we do...we go big. Travel is one thing that's taken an upturn since the technology age. Now you can go anywhere without going anywhere really. Like with www.hummba.com, a new travel and lifestyle website that takes independent travel to new heights.

But the archbishop still isn't taking kindly to the idea. He said that "As a society, we are losing the ability to build interpersonal communication that's necessary for living together and building a community." Now, he has a point, but a shaky one. We won't get into it on this show but I will say that society comprises of families. And therefore, the breakdown within families can be attributed to the breakdown in society and that doesn't have anything to do with technology. That's people...parents and children.

The archbishop went on to say that "the exclusive use of electronic information dehumanises a very important part of community life and living together." The "very important part" he was referring to is in fact, face-to-face interaction, or at least telephone conversations. At least.

Poor Facebook is getting bullied on the social networking playground, a similar scenario to the Bowling for Columbine meets Marilyn Manson incident. Apparently, Facebook and the likes don't provide "rounded communication" but is it really Facebook's job to make sure that we're communicating?

Isn't that what its about? Us. Not them. That's like saying that our communication skills will be improved with technological improvements. Its a tall order for a cell phone or PC to make sure that we're communicating our messages effectively.

Here's what I think, social networking sites are here to stay. Well, for now at least, but the balance is up to the individual. A great way to see if you haven't morphed into a technological mute is to visit www.hummba.com and talk back, tell them something, upload an audio clip and photos to share your travel tips and advice with other travellers. Who knows, you might even make a friend.