SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION: THE GAME THE WHOLE WORLD CAN PLAY 1

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION: THE GAME THE WHOLE WORLD CAN PLAY

 By Sandye Linnetz

Six degrees of separation is for real! It’s pretty astounding (and kind of overwhelming) to think about being just 6 connections (well, more like 6.6 connections) away from ANYONE and EVERYONE on the planet. Our social networks connect the whole world. Of course I’m including those on the internet like face book and linked in, but I couldn’t leave out clubs, teams, schools, religious organizations, book clubs, sewing circles…

I know you’re tempted to prove this for yourself and connect with the Pope or Lady Gaga right now, and based on the research, you probably can, but please wait three minutes and read on…

“…the oft-cited report that people are separated by “six degrees of separation” and (we) find that the average path length is 6.6.”                         http://research.microsoft.com/apps/pubs/default.aspx?id=70389

Our lives are filled with social networking opportunities, and the more you participate, the more you connect. There is an assumption here that, like me, connection is something that you value.

I did my ‘Google research’, and the results suggest that Facebook use (e.g. belonging to – and participating in groups like What Do I Say? What Do I Do?) actually provide us with the opportunity to develop and maintain real social connectedness and relationships. Even more important to me is that this connectedness has been associated with lower depression and anxiety, better general health and an overall greater satisfaction with one’s life.

That, by the way, is one of the main reasons that I started the What Do I Say? What Do I Do? group; it’s a forum for connecting and sharing. When you participate – and invite others to do so with you – you are growing your circle and theirs (and mine!). It’s both engaging and fun to post a question or situation that others may also be anxious to address.

I’m a mindset and accountability coach. It’s my passion. I’m all about engaging with you on any level. Whether you have a serious concern like “What do I do when my child is about to make an obviously bad decision?” or a seemingly frivolous one like “My friend has an annoying habit of belching in public”, you can bet your karma that you’re not alone in the inquiry! That’s why we post ‘out loud’ and request opinions – or coaching – from others.

Okay, I’m done for today… go connect with the Dalai Lama.