There aren’t a lot of “do-overs” in life, but there are second chances on Craigslist.
Self-proclaimed “hopeless romantic” Thomas Urqhart said he felt an immediate attraction to another man at the PNE, but his timing “wasn’t right.” He went out on a limb and placed an ad on Craigslist’s Missed Connections section.
It worked — they connected.
“It’s an easy way to approach someone,” said social media expert Rebecca Bollwitt, a.k.a. Miss604.
Social media gives “courage from behind the computer screen,” said Bollwitt, who spent a large portion of her own long-distance relationship online. “But nothing replaces seeing someone in person.”
Simon Fraser University communications professor Peter Chow-White said that social media allows “enough social distance to overcome the interpersonal issues” one might have.
“It’s meant to connect people in ways that overcome geography, space, time or even sliding doors.”
Social media sites give people a sort of protection from rejection. Several Missed Connections posters said they were just tossing out a line to see if there was any chance they’d find their connection.
While these postings may seem romantic, Bollwitt said people should be cautious when responding.
“It’s more anonymous. Just be careful not to reveal too much about yourself.”
