Let’s use the internet for social change not social replacement, and have fun, in the real world, whilst we’re at it!

Over the past few decades there has been such an unstoppable whirlwind of ipods, pads, i-this, e-that, all working to compress our lives onto a small screen through the momentous and world-changing tool that is the internet.

They say that the internet has made the world grow smaller. In a globe spanning a circumference of more than forty thousand kilometres (a thirty second Google search taught me that), we can connect with others throughout the world, share ideas across borders in milliseconds, shop, meet, love, and learn – and how amazing that is! But as this technology boom encroaches into almost every aspect of our lives, what has happened to the things that no piece of machinery, no matter how advanced, can replace? The friends and family living right on our doorsteps.

The internet is a brilliant tool but with it comes the danger of forgetting the things that really make us who we are. Not so long ago, most households were forced to be together in one room - fire lit, television crackling. Now central heating has spread everyone out into separate rooms with individual laptops, televisions and computers. We are all contributing to this vast, exciting new platform where everyone’s ideas are heard– except we’ve forgotten one thing: to go and share things in the real world too. To go and have fun with friends, with family, face to face – outside – to talk to one another, and use up less electricity!

We are lucky to live in a place of such natural beauty, and with such a creative, energetic lot of people to match. This year, let’s make the most of our surroundings. Why not release the feral within and take part in a magical, woodland theatre performance with the Feral Theatre, tie up those hiking boots and explore other parts of Britain with Car Free Walks, or take the kids for an outdoors activity day with the Circle of Life? With so many options, there’s bound to be something for everyone, whatever your age or interests.

The online world is a wonderful thing, but in-person interactions, I guarantee, are better. We should use this amazing technology for something worthwhile – for social change not social replacement. And let’s have fun, in the real world, whilst we’re at it.