Comments on: Social Media as Lost and Found

By: Viruthagiri

Viruthagiri — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:57:34 +0000

Nice blog you have here. And also interesting posts. Thank you dude

By: Lara Kretler

Lara Kretler — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:46:17 +0000

Thanks, Meghann and Rachel.
We all read bad news all the time – it’s great to hear about positive news and stories with happy endings!

By: Rachel Esterline

Rachel Esterline — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:02:53 +0000

Great story, Lara. I’ve lost my cell phone several times as well. Two examples of good people:

1. Once in the snow on campus. The guy called my mom and then he tracked me down since my driver’s license and student ID were both with my phone. I seriously cried when I opened the door and saw him there with my phone.

2. The second time in the Walmart parking lot. Someone turned it into the front desk and I picked it up as soon as I realized it was gone.

Another example of even better people: I left my necklace in a tanning room once. A gold/diamond necklace from my boyfriend. My heart dropped once I realized it was still there. I had to wait until morning to call them. The staff had immediately saved it and had it waiting for me that morning.

Cell phones are replaceable…but the first piece of jewelry from my boyfriend – - not so much! I didn’t get any sleep that night because I had no idea how I could tell him I had lost it if they didn’t have it waiting for me.

And I agree…social media definitely rocks. So do good people

By: Meghann Heft

Meghann Heft — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:17:25 +0000

Great post, Lara! I heard your speak at SummitUp, and I’m not sure what I would’ve done in your situation. It’s so nice to read about the goodness of people

By: Erin Oates

Erin Oates — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:30:51 +0000

Lara, well put! And I think the old and the new are at their most powerful when interconnected, as you said, given the technologically driven world in which we live. The more tech-driven our world is, however, the more we crave human connection. Your experience perfectly blended both.

By: Lara K

Lara K — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:38:13 +0000

Thanks, Natalyn and Erin – great additions.

Erin, I love your read on how this experience connected both social media/technology and real-time human connections. So true – and they really are best together, just like chocolate and peanut butter!

By: Erin Oates

Erin Oates — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:01:15 +0000

Love this story because of how it connects both the ‘new’ (social media) with the ‘old’ (the help of good-hearted people who choose to do the right thing). A perfect example of how we need both and a wonderful reminder that everyone, whether they’re a member of the cleaning crew or a senior executive, need acknowledgment and how that powerful human connection can make their day!

By: Natalyn Giverson

Natalyn Giverson — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:46:53 +0000

I would do the same thing in your scenario, Lara. I’ve used Facebook as my mode of access to the world when my phone battery has simply died and I don’t have my charger with me.

For example, I realized I needed my wallet out of my roommate’s car before she left for the weekend, but my phone was dead and I was on campus for the day. I dropped into the library and quickly sent her a Facebook message between classes, knowing she would check it. By the time I got home later that afternoon, my wallet was sitting on the table waiting for me.

I think another example of how Facebook saves the day is the multitude of groups people create to re-collect phone numbers after they’ve gotten a new phone. I get at least four invites a week to groups with names like, “Dropped my phone in the sink, need numbers!” or “Lost my phone, leave your digits!” I made one once myself after my phone got run over by a car (it’s a long story). The beauty of the Internet is that it doesn’t break.

Thanks for a good, thought-provoking read! I’m glad things worked out in your favor.

By: Lara K

Lara K — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:30:26 +0000

Thanks, Joanne – glad to know I’m not the only one!

By: Joanne Maly

Joanne Maly — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:18:09 +0000

Lara,
I love the human-ness of your blog today, and it is very real to me as my cell phone seems to be the most elusive thing I own.

The crazier piece though is when I have turned the phone off or adjusted it to the vibrate mode – then lose it – and can’t hear it if I’m calling it. And I am just plain ’sunk.’ I know that panic feeling you have described.

And the result of my dilemma, you ask?
The Verizon store knows me by my first name.

Thanks for my morning chuckle.