A communication and media studies student from Bournemouth University interviewed me earlier this year about my social media use. Afterwards it struck me just how big a part of my life social media, and in particular Facebook, had become.
Most of the time Facebook is wonderful, keeping me in touch with friends around the world and handy for work with many organisations posting to Facebook and Twitter first and through the old fashioned press release method later.
But this year I had a bit of a Facebook disaster, my first Facebook death.
Paul Culnane was someone who I had not even met but his death was very real to me. Australian Paul befriended me after reading an article I’d written for the music website I co-edit Neonfiller.com. I’m not in the habit of making friends with strangers, but with Paul it just seemed right.
Paul Culnane's FB profile picture
What followed over the next two years was a virtual friendship, with his regular posts and our chats becoming a highlight of my Facebook experience.
He was an engaging, open and very funny man who had an encyclopedic knowledge of music from old 50s rockers to latest acts. He will be sorely missed by his 1,600 Facebook friends, who still regularly pop by his page to speak to him from beyond the grave. Those that knew him, especially his family, have been left devastated, as have the hundreds like me who never even met him.
Feel free to share your stories of the wonderful people you’ve met through social media.
