I have had several discussions with non-internet people, i.e. those who don’t spend hours everyday online or make a living because of the internet, about whether technology is bringing people together or isolating them. For me it’s a no-brainer, I can name so many examples of how the web is connecting people from distant lands – rural and urban, developed nations and developing, east and west, north and south. I have personally “met” people from many cultures and language backgrounds who are working in a variety of fields.

One story in particular really touched my heart, and is a testament to the positive outcomes of social networking and blogging.  For any internet nay-sayers out there who still think that technology is keeping people apart, the following story will hopefully persuade otherwise.

Stephanie Nielson enjoyed writing about her experiences being a mom on her blog, the Nie Nie Dialougues. She had attracted quite a following of other moms who appreciated her encouraging posts. After Stephanie and her husband Christian were in a plane crash, an outpouring of support came from readers, most of whom had never met her. Over $100,000 has been donated to help with the medical expenses.

Stephanie’s friend and blog reader Wendy Whitacre said in the Today Show feature:

In this case we’ve formed a whole new community, a community of complete strangers who all care about one thing. In this case a family who’s in need.

You can hear more about his inspiring story in NBC Today show video or this story in the Arizona Daily Star.