Last week, VTel Community Broadband Organizer Dan Lucier facilitated a discussion about social networking at the Mount Holly Town Library. Fifteen members from the community joined to learn and talk about socializing on the web.

Mount Holly Librarian Lynn Herbst suggested the topic for the forum because many people are aware of social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, but are not sure how these services may be relevant to them. “Many of us who haven't grown up with the Internet are overwhelmed with the possibilities. We are busy with careers or we are retired seniors with active lives and just don't have the time to figure it all out. Dan was able to put things in perspective and outline the choices,” said Herbst.

The group discussed why and how people use social networks to augment their non-digital social lives. “Social networks on the web are a reflection of the same social needs people have always had,” said Dan Lucier. “From discussing literature to dating, from sharing knowledge and personal interests to just keeping in touch with family and friends, there are social networks and on-line forums for every human desire.”

The forum was part of VTel's mission to engage Vermonters in exploring the Worldwide Web's versatility and potential to enrich lives. The VTel Community Broadband Team is also conducting one-on-one training sessions in several communities to help people learn how to use computers and the Internet.

In an email to Herbst, one participant wrote, "I thought the program was GREAT - thanks. I needed the overview just to know what all the differences were in the various options."

VTel aims to make the Internet more accessible to Vermonters by improving access to broadband and by providing opportunities for people to learn how to get more out of the Internet. “Today's Internet is as much about obtaining information and entertainment as it is about creating and sharing your own content. The Internet makes it very easy for everyone to broadcast their ideas to the entire world or to a select audience; basic computer skills are incredibly empowering,” said Lucier.