I think it does to a certain extent.  My example for this was my blog.  I created a blog for friends and family scattered across the U.S. when I was pregant.  I wanted everyone to see and hear what was happening every step of the way.  I quickly realized that once I started the blog people stopped emailing as oftern and called less and less.  They knew what was happening in my life (via the blog), so they didn’t feel as though they needed to call.  What they didn’t remember was that I didn’t know what was happening in their lives.  So I was always the one reaching out to them to say hi and talk.  One sided communication isn’t fun.  So, yes I think this level of communication cuts down on the human interaction.  However, I still keep my blog, I still read others.  I agree, a balance it key to it.

I’m sure it could kill brain cells and does! However I remember being a lonely, home alone mom in a very quiet neighborhood while little sisters were off starting their lives--- I like thinking that now moms like that can connect. Even if its only enough to know they are NOT alone.

Mary said it so well...some days these blogs are my sanity lifeline.

I too enjoy some of what the internet has to offer--but like you, I agree that there needs to be a balance.  I enjoy reading blogs and internet magazines with their comments.  But I have made a concerted effort in the past year to go back to my communication of old---hand written letters.  Honestly, the postal employees are amazed when I need postage for foreign countries.  Most of those on my “list” have responded in kind.  It is a lost art in my opinion.

It’s interesting how my feelings have changed on this issue. When I first discovered blogs a couple of years ago all I could see was their value and I was blind to their danger. They taught me, a new convert, so much about being a Catholic mother and wife, as I did not have many (any?) Catholic friends at that point. In many ways, I would have been lost without them. Now that I have learned so much and met so many marvelous women, I feel myself experiencing and recognizing some of the negatives--placing too much value on the opinions of strangers, elevating fellow bloggers too high, spending too much time staring at a computer screen, etc. And so, I try to conquer my own temptations while not forgetting the value this medium has for many people. I also have been blessed in that it was through blogging that I met my dearest friend, a fellow Catholic. I suppose with all things it is a matter of balance and keeping our eyes, hearts and minds always on God. Thanks for the food for thought, Danielle.

This topic is very interesting to me, as I have responded to blog entries in anger/disgust/frustration more than I’d like to admit.  And, yes, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t do so --- REACT without more thought---were I to sit down, write a letter, put a stamp on it, and take it to the post office.  On the other hand, I read your blog and a few others only; mostly they bring light and happiness on a regular basis.  I am grateful to you and a few other bloggers out there.  Really. And I am CERTAIN I would never find inappropriate content on your blog [a child’s funeral, for instance].  I am grateful to you for that.  And I am working on my own “instant” reactions.  Slowly.  One day at a time.

Danielle, I am really glad that you blog.  Whether it’s your shared items or little bits of wisdom, everything is related on our faith and relationship to God.  And let’s face it, God IS involved in every aspect our our lives--especially if we choose to let Him.  All in all, I find that Catholic Mom blogs keep me focused and inspired.  Thanks again for doing it.

I started my blog over 3 years ago just to keep in touch with my sisters and family.  I have absolutely found and refined my writing voice through the years, and can honestly say that it is truly a joy for me to write.  I have taken for my examples both Danielle and Elizabeth Foss, and always try to keep things upbeat, but real.
I have found a beautiful group of online friends and allies in the process, which was something I never expected.
Striking a balance is essential, and that would be true for any “hobby” a busy homeschooling mom picks up.
As far as the “instant publish” issue, I agree that it can sometimes change people into egotistical monsters.  Hiding behind a disguise of “Anonymous” has the possibility of turning normally reasonable folks into trolls who want to stir up trouble and hurt feelings.
All we can do is be true to our own selves, especially as Christians and children of God.  We must establish our own rules for commenting and blogging.  And never lose sight of the fact that these are real people we are interacting with here.  Christ resides in them, and we must never cause scandal.

A young lady we know was jilted by her fiance via Facebook not too long ago.  This fine, Christian young man delineated her shortcomings for all the world to read.  He thought he said it all kindly.  To this I say, “You big coward.” And that is one of the caveats of the “virtual world.” It smacks of the proverbial “Dear John” letter, except that it’s public… but with none of the restraints a social situation would impose.  This young man would never have so shamed his supposed bride-to-be in front of a roomful of people.  We must use caution.  On the flip side, I have had things I posted in the past used against my family.  Casual comments became fuel for gossip.  Like all other forms of media, it can be used for good or evil.  In this case, though, it’s just so personal. 
Great topic, by the way!  :o)

I wonder “is my life better because of reading other’s blogs and doing my own little blog?” Yes!!!  I have learned so much and enjoy all the new ideas we share.  Of course, there has to be a balance but I think that the blogs I read are just wonderful.  I love being able to surround myself with Godly women/mothers when I can’t do that in real life.

I can see how blogging can become impersonal and cut the human aspect of communicating, with that said I have to tell you that I try to blog in moderation.  Everything in moderation is motto.  I have recently started my blog because of all you wonderful Moms out there in cyber world.  You have given me so much help with homeschooling, child rearing, housekeeping, cooking...the list goes on.  I am so very grateful for this wealth of knowledge and for all of you wonderful women.  If we place God first then all else will fall into its perspective place.  God bless all of you and thank you!!!
Susan

Danielle:

This is such a timely subject, as two dear moms on my blogroll have recently had to set aside blogging in the interest of preserving the sanctity and safety of their families.  The cost, for them, was too dear…

As a relatively new blogger with a growing readership, I’m surprised that so many seem to be interested in the day to day happenings of a large Catholic family.  I’ve had to temper myself and step back not a few times when blogging seemed to take primacy over all other forms of creative expression.  At one point, I’d nearly given up blogging all together until I realized that this creative outlet had become the equivalent of the “neighborly fence.” Only a few decades ago, our mothers and grandmothers would step away from the clothesline for a few moments to “gab” at the fence with the mom next door.  Funny stories, recipes, prayers and just plain, ol’ gossip were shared in those brief visits, with each mom returning to the day’s chores with renewed spirits and a sense of connectivity to a world outside her own.

Many of us need this “fence.” So many wives and mothers have left the home for the work force, others are isolated by geographical and time constraints.  Blogs provide many of us with the fellowship that is lacking in the communities we live in.  I find that my blogging conversations and posts are far more charitable than some of my telephone conversations have been.  Would that I could edit what comes out of my mouth!!  Perhaps a return to written communication is not such a bad thing...there was a time that this was all the communication that families separated from one another had.  Our delivery system is far superior.  We don’t have wait for the Pony Express, Western Union or the U.S. Mail any longer. 

But what of the price?

All things that are worthwhile are never really free.  They are always purchased for a price.  It’s our job to discern, prayerfully, whether the product is worth the price we pay…

I feel the benefits have far outweighed any drawbacks, thus far.  I’m thankful for the many friends I’ve found while blogging and count those relationships as precious as any I have.

May God bless all of you for your generosity, for stepping over to the fence to chat for a bit and for allowing the rest of us a little peek into the window of your world.

Kimberly

This is definitely food for thought.  I have just started blogging, in part to keep up with my kids and share recipes with them as they are off in their first apartments and learning to cook.  You have all raised some really interesting issues here.

Thanks, Danielle, for raising this issue and thanks to those who’ve participated in the discussion. It’s been very timely for me to read and ponder these things today (one of the blessings of blogs - finding what you need to read at just the right time!)

I think that it’s a more obvious distraction, and I also think you’re tapping into something with this post (as usual!).

I don’t think blogging et. al. is “the devil.” Nor do I think it’s “the best.” It’s a tool.  And like all the tools we have in life, it’s flawed, as you say.  The devil and his team of tempters get right in there, suck us in, persuade us and...TEMPT us...to spend too much time, to sacrifice too much privacy, and on and on.

You’re right.  The key is CHRIST.  That light he gives us...that’s what we have to have in front of us, or else the blogging is for naught.

(And that came out pretty stinkin preachy.  I didn’t mean for it to!)

I don’t have a blog, but my life has been enriched so much from blogs that I can only be forever thankful to Catholic and Christian mothers that share their faith journey online.

Pros: Practically instant communication providing companionship, commiseration, comfort, feedback, ideas, resources,inspiration, self esteem, and a place to record and share lifetime events. It’s also just a fun hobby.

Cons: Practically instant communication that can widen our horizons, but cause us to miss the trees for the forest, can cause us to lose self esteem by comparing ourselves to others, can cause us to become too judgmental by comparing ourselves to others, can become time and thought consuming to the detriment of our own families and rl friends, can expose us to evil, and threaten the privacy and safety of our families.

I think I’ve found in a year and a half of blogging that we are in control of whether or not the pros outweigh the cons.  It can be a test of our resolve and self control to maintain the proper balance, and that ability may come and go.  And it’s more a battle for some than others.  Like any lifetime pursuit, any hobby, we have to decide for ourselves if the temptations are stronger than the benefits. 

On a global scale, I have to say it’s astounded me how influential bloggers (etc) have been in this election.  I believe it’s unprecedented.  And I dont’ know if it’s a good thing or not.  There is so much information out there, it can be difficult to disseminate.  But, then, we have equal access to information from every angle, and in light of a corrupt mass media, that may be a good thing.  One way or another, though, wherever we get our news and information, it all still comes down to careful discernment and personal judgment.

Fascinating and pertinent discussion, Danielle. Thank-you!

The main thing I find is: Is it easier to google “teething problems” or call a mom I know and (gulp) ask for advice?  And when I know that so many online people have such witty minds and such terribly well-ordered homes, it sure makes the friends I know seem dull.  So perhaps it weakens my friendships from what they may have been.

On the other hand, on Saturday I was horribly sick (pregnant with #4 in 4 yrs).  I staggered to the computer, turned it on to Danielle Bean, and actually laughed heartily, despite, well, you know, having thrown up for 12 hours straight.  I know you bloggers sacrifice so much privacy and time, but I am grateful for the perspective, humor, and experience you can give us younger moms.  Thanks.

PS - Danielle you might like to know that I gave up reading blogs for Lent this past year and I was only 10 days into it when I found myself desperate to go back to work.  I didn’t even make the connection until later that I just missed the encouragement I find in the 3 blogs I follow!

Well, there is blogging and then there is blogging .
I like to blog to keep a running record of our family life and to share pictures and tidbits with family and friends.  I don’t know how I would feel if hundreds ( or even thousands! gulp!) read my blog on a daily basis.  I can imagine that is a lot of pressure for any mom ( or woman). I do like to read those popular blogs, though I must say I have found a lot of good tidbits ( whether homeschooling tips, recipes, thoughts to ponder) on blogs, but I try to keep a short list of ones I really like and not venture further.

Curiousity and questions about my faith bring me to blogs.  Comments and concerns I can raise on blogs do not easily come up in other places.  And quite honestly I like the anonymous nature of it especially with some sensitive topics.  I’m sorry people take anonimity as trouble making.  I’m surprised at the number of moms that post their full name online with details and pictures about their kids etc.  Now mind you I am probably over the top with being pararnoid, I’ve watched too much 20/20 and have too much awareness of the crazy people in the world.  But I just do not want anyone to know who I am!!

I learn a great deal from other moms some who think very differently then I.

It gets to be troublesome when we can name more blog friends than we can name friends who interact with us in person.  Our family needs to grow up in community and be connected in real life to other believers.  We need women (in person) who can be our friends.  The church has a whole needs to work on this.  I don’t think going to Mass everyone and never being connected to anyone is what God desires.

Sometimes we need to take a closer look as to why we do not have anybody in our life besides people on line at blogs.  Ask ourselves some hard questions and then get to work off line so to speak.

I say this as someone who really has struggled to build relationships.  It is much harder in person but the value is worth it.