Camilla Orr-Thomson considers the Docklands community on a little thing known as Facebook…

I have too many friends and I am struggling to cope. There…I said it. Despite my apparently enviable position as a young, extroverted individual, the channels of friendship in today’s world are seemingly being redefined before our very eyes.

Facebook. The very name has notions of a whole lot of image and very little else. But in a society as fast as ours, is there really any better way to cope with the sheer number of ‘friends’ and contacts we make? This week alone, I have met at least 15 new people I wish to stay in touch with and I don’t intend to let fate play a part in such a reunion.

Like most technologies, the medium of Facebook has one very vital use. It connects us virtually (excuse the pun) to many of our nearest and dearest. But people who haven’t yet explored the Facebook phenomenon may not know about the online ‘groups’ that have been created, including the group ‘Melbourne Docklands.’ In a place like Docklands, you have to wonder if such a medium is useful?

With over 150 members, the group is rapidly growing. As the founder Sam Whitford explains, “being fairly new in town, I was on a bit of a mission to meet new people but most of the Docklands meet-and-greet sessions were held mid-week when I haven’t got much time. I figured there are quite a few others in the Docklands in my position as well.”

Various other Facebook groups include those with interests in networking, such as the Peer to Peer Club group, or singing and even the local church. However, these groups are only a segment of the real community that awaits discovery.

For the more technologically savvy, often younger professional residents, this group serves to air community concerns, discuss the latest development or even a favourite restaurant. People have been known to ask for apartment advice, local specials or the latest poker tournament and in the process, forge new acquaintances.

Sam views this online communication hub as a vital way of connecting, especially when most residents live such busy lifestyles. He notes, “being a relatively new, and ever evolving area, I think people are still trying to find the underlying vibe to Docklands.” He adds, “comparing it to established areas like Brunswick or St Kilda, it still feels like it is in its infancy. This is the time where we can sculpt its image within our own minds.”

We live in a world where relationships often come and go as quickly as fashion, where friendships have highs and lows closer to today’s stock market trends. As I glance over the Facebook news-feed relaying updates about my ‘friends’ love lives, thoughts, interests or even current location on the globe, I can understand how many people could be put off by such a lack of privacy. But any method of community building has to be considered a positive move.

The technology is new and perhaps dominated by younger residents and workers of the area. But Facebook is an open source with the capability of connecting an enormous range of people. Let’s take advantage of it.