Twitter and Knocking the Shy-Wall down.

Several articles around these days are talking about connections and social media. Some people say that it does not translate to a true connection. I believe they do.  For me, the introduction to new people that occurs through Twitter, is an unobtrusive method of breaking the ice.  A dialogue can be started, enabling those critical moments of first impressions to be passed without the prejudices (real or imagined) that the environment of a face to face meeting exerting too much influence.  A perfect example is the Wallflower Effect.  Person A will not approach the unknown Person B  due to the gang of friends that B is with exerting influence on the chance meeting.  A will not approach B for fear of rejection, and quite possibly a friendship would never be found.  A then becomes more shy about approaching anyone that is unknown, and confidence drops.  Its a situation that is repeated all the time.  I know, I have been there, way too often.

Twitter, and in varying ways Facebook and LinkedIn, allow you to shave off some of the wall, and begin to break the ice.  Communication starts flowing because of the automatic introduction.  There begins to be rapport built, and ever so slightly, trust.  More interactions, postings, and Direct Messages may bring on a clearer picture of who the person is.  The environment is just words, not all the other stimuli that are around in a public setting, or even a phone call.  Remember how easy it is to interact with someone after a formal introduction.  The ice is cracked, and you have a chance to do more than just make a first impression.    Personal interactions sometimes resemble a cold call in sales:  You have to get past the gatekeeper.  Shyness, and/or fear of rejection is that gatekeeper.  Social Media can make the introductions.  It’s how we grow it after we are introduced is what adds to the richness of life.