---
"title": "The New Connectedness"
"description": "Our \"Networked Families\" report contains data about the \"new connectedness\" or what Twitterers call \"ambient intimacy.\""
"date": "2008-12-24"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Susannah Fox"
    "job_title": "Former Researcher"
    "link": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/staff/susannah-fox/"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet/2008/12/24/the-new-connectedness/"
"categories":
  - "Mobile"
  - "Social Media"
"tags":
  - "Web 2.0"
---

# The New Connectedness

[Tim O’Reilly](http://twitter.com/timoreilly) was recently [interviewed](http://blog.iampaddy.com/2008/12/24/how-do-you-twitter-tim-oreilly/) about how he uses Twitter:

> On a more personal level, I have a kind of “ambient intimacy” ([@leisa](http://twitter.com/leisa) is responsible for that term) with my family. I learn small details about the day my wife and kids are having, and am closer than I have been in years (on a day to day basis) with my one brother who tweets regularly. I learn small details that I’d never think to ask about.
>

This reminded me of our [Networked Families](https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet/Reports/2008/Networked-Families.aspx) report, which found a “new connectedness” among family members who communicate via cell phones and screen-sharing.

If you’re not yet on Twitter, but want to peek into this new world of ambient intimacy, you can just watch the Twitterstream go by or [search](http://search.twitter.com/) for the topic of your choice. My current faves include any form of family: “sister,” “brother,” “in-laws,” etc. If you see anything great, message me: [@SusannahFox](http://twitter.com/SusannahFox).