You made some interesting points. I will say this: unlike a scientific experiment, any conclusions from a social experiment need to be made through feelings and emotions and observations (which I believe was the case in this instance). When it comes to friendship, that’s all we have: our gut. There is no litmus test to determine whether a connection is genuine or not. I don’t think Maria intended her project to be scientific . Nor do I think she intended to take advantage of anyone (see part two).

As I recounted to Maria when I met her in person…about five years ago I started talking to a panhandler/homeless man after leaving work one day. For those of us living in a big city, we typically encounter many panhandlers. Most of the time, we may give these panhandlers some spare change or a couple of dollars or we may continue walking. But on this particular day, I stopped and listened to the gentleman tell me more about himself. He told me about his family and how he lost his job. I told him, in the best way that I could that I understood (at that point I had been laid off a couple times myself). We talked for about five or ten minutes and I could sense how happy the man was that someone took the time to listen to his story. I think I gave him five bucks and shook his hand as I left. Afterward, I felt like I made a genuine human connection…and at least a little difference in this man’s life. He certainly made a difference in mine.

Maria’s project is a reminder to me (and hopefully you too) about how important we are to each other as social creatures and how interconnected we are. It motivates me to listen and try to get to know people (especially strangers) a little more than I do now. In our big cities especially, it is so easy to stick our iPod earplugs in our ears and crank the tunes and live in our own world. Sorry for the ramble.

Mike and Julie, I’m fascinated how you can see anything wrong with reaching out to my world and getting to know the people that make up Chicago. Documenting an encounter is a way to make it special. Once I felt a connection I would ask them if they’d be in the project. There were some people that turned me down and that’s cool. I moved on.
And Mike, I’m not selling anything. I’m celebrating friendship. Don’t be so jaded, man.

Kevin, I would define a connection as getting a sense of who they are, knowing something personal about them. It’s a feeling and the process was organic. The whole project shows a range of friendships from the closest of friends to a fleeting moment. All have value. I can tell you the story of meeting each and every one of the 412 people and I remember most of their names.

Instead of making assumptions, why not embrace other people’s opinions? Jade, it sounds like you are the one who needs to be more open without prejudice.

I’m confused over the term “connection”. Does it really only take one encounter to make a connection with someone? I guess it’s a matter of opinion; sort of like believing in love at first site. Befriending a stranger is nothing new and I would be much more interested to see a reverse study on connecting with people via social media tools.