I really wanted to write this blog post yesterday, but it was my birthday! I had a conversation with my sister that went something like this: “Thanks for being the only one who has called me all the to wish me a Happy Birthday. I have gotten tons of birthday wishes on Facebook and got a text message from a friend, but not one phone call. I have almost 500 followers on Twitter to whom I announced several times it was my birthday, and no one wished me a happy birthday. My own mother has not even called.” My mother did eventually call! Last night I did get wished a happy birthday on Twitter after mentioning it on #smbookclub.

It got me thinking, is it ok today to think that a text message or a post on Facebook is personal enough for certain occasions. Do we live in an impersonal world? How has social media affected this?

In public relations we talk about relationships. We talk about implementing social media into our program plans in order to open up the conversations. In order for this to happen we need to remember the following:

1) In order to get responses, you have to respond.

2) Certain occasions, like birthdays, wedding announcements, having a baby, and you’re moving, require to hear someone's voice on the other end of the phone.

3) Certain news is better in person.

4) Always remember people really do care and want your opinion.

5) It is still ok to use pen and paper.

Sarah Evans, of Sevans Strategy, posed the question on Facebook, “When was the last hand written thank you note you received and who was it from?” Maybe if we think about the last time we received a personal touch, we will remember to give a personal touch.

Does social media have personal touch? Is it ok to think that a text, a tweet or a message on Facebook is enough? You tell me!