Social Media – Goodbye Twitter, Au Revoir Facebook
As the years go by, social media is expanding and going above and beyond all expectations. I joined Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn five years ago and since then, my life has changed tremendously. I don’t even remember a time when we didn’t utilize these social networking facilities. Now every business, company and public figure uses these tools as a way to network and expand their business or fan base.
Now we can share pictures, videos, and status updates with our real or illusionary friends. We are privy to other people’s personal information. We know who are friends with who, what people’s social plans are, and what people are doing. We also know when someone comments on someone else’s status and if someone else likes a page.
But is it too much? When can we call it enough? Are we just violating each other’s privacy or are we getting what we always secretly wanted – an insight into other people’s lives?
I believe Facebook is good when you are going through phases. Some years, you are in a mood to share everything. You want likes on your status updates, you want to feel validated for being you and you want the world to see your worth.
Other times, different feelings come into play. You want to be left alone because, you technically don’t share your life with the people on your list. You met them in high school, singles events, college, past jobs, current jobs and let’s be honest; you weren’t very fond of them then, so why do you want to keep up with their whereabouts now? Isn’t it hard to see them on a daily basis on YOUR Facebook account?
I guess you can always unsubscribe to their updates, but why do you want to stay in touch when you weren’t interested in them then and you barely wanted to talk to them then? Think about it, now they have access to everything about you. The other day, I was reading an article in the newspaper and the writer stated that she has 700 friends on her Facebook list but no one to go out with for some drinks. Sound familiar?
Is Social Networking real or illusionary? (continued on next page)
1 Comment
Great article Monica and glad that social media has been great for you and many others. I think when used with discretion and wisdom, FB and twitter can be a great thing. But it CANNOT replace true human connections and community which occur face to face (and which for most of us is limited to just close family and friends). As for me, I value my privacy and have no interest in other people’s private life. I pulled the plug on Facebook last July after having an account for over 3 years.
Best decision I ever made for myself and will never go back. But to each their own.