Facebook or not, that is the question

In Hugh Mackay's talk, although he didn't dwell on it, he suggested that the use of social media could be counterproductive and that we could end up with a lot of 'electronic friends' as opposed to ones to go out and have a cuppa with.
I was not the only one who wondered about this. Another audience member  muttered in my ear about it. It just so happens that she and I have links from way back but really only connect because we are part of communities on Facebook.
When we lived in Adelaide I was part of a largish church and knew Heather as part of a music team I was in. Twelve years later I know her much better now, although the only way we 'meet' is on Facebook. She often poses thought provoking ideas and ponders questions about faith and life. When I did see her the other day we clasped each other in a big hug because we had grown to know each other through sharing in that way over the last 6 years.
Sarah was part of the youth group 12 years ago. Via electronic means I have followed her exploration of her place in ministry and been amazed by her innovative approach to church, her prolific writing and then her move to Scotland for PhD studies. I have felt close and involved although not physically present.
Then there's Damian. At one stage we were both writing book reviews for New Times magazine and became friends on Facebook. I've followed his moves, know  of his support for Beyond Blue and his inexplicable love for footy. But I have only met him once and that was last year.
Perhaps the funniest thing was 'meeting' David - a chaplain at the aged care place where my parents in law spent their last years. He and I became friends on FB and I know he canoes and rides his bike and plays the uke and some other parts of his life. It was only in the evening when I was browsing on FB that I found he had been in the Hugh Mackay audience as well and I missed out on meeting him in real life.
The day after the session  we visited a different church in Adelaide. Nametags helped identify people and there was Brett - his name looking so familiar. Yep we've commented on each other's comments on Heather's FB. It was so good to talk to him. Felt like we'd know each other for some time.
And last but certainly not least.
Over many years (more than 15) I corresponded with Yvonne;  we met as she was family of friends of ours. She lived in Tassie and we wrote emails back and forth two or three time a week until her health declined in recent years. We shared life and family matters and fears and doubts. Heck, even our cats shared the same name and sometimes wrote to each other. I saw her only a handful of times in those years but she was one of my closest friends before her death earlier this year. I miss her dearly.
My life has been enriched by being able to communicate via electronic means with a variety of people. So I'm happy to see there may be problems but I love being able to be part of the lives of others in this way.