Here’s the thing about “social” media. It’s not exactly social.

Anyone who has been to a social media event and seen a bunch of bowed heads tweeting into their iPhones, barely paying attention to the presenter at the lectern, can tell you this. We’ve invented a medium of communication that shackles us to these little devices.

But this technology, as we have seen, has the potential to bring people together in new and exciting ways. The trick is to bring them together in person, in a manner that allows people to interact meaningfully, without the devices getting in the way. We think this is where social media is headed, and we’re excited about that chapter.

Take for instance this recent article in the New York Times about Foursquare, the rapidly growing service that allows friends to broadcast their locations. People can swing down and join them, or let them know what else there is to do in the area that’s cool. (We’re going to try out, though we’re pretty sure the Burlington, VT version won’t be quite as exciting as the NYC one.)

What are your thoughts? What’s the future of “social” media?