Face Time
A friend has recently given up Facebook. She decided to take 90 days away from social media, and challenged herself to blog about the experience - turning out thoughtful essays about the way social media has changed social interactions. Check it out, her blog is insightful and a pleasure to read, in my opinion.
It's been interesting to follow along. She's more than half way through the journey, and I'm curious to see what happens to her once she's done. Will she eventually fall prey to the ease of Facebook again?
For my part, it's helped me think twice about how I participate. Do I turn to Facebook for the quick hit - the scathing comment, or loving bon mot? Do I scroll through my friends' first day of school photos, trying to out-clever the other comments?
I do agree with her premise, that Facebook as made us superficially involved in one another's lives. No one really needs that much exposure to other people, do they? I look at my "friends" there, and I can't help but wonder, is it really important? Did I care enough about my former college roommate and her husband enough to find her and send her an email? Or try to call her? No, but finding them out on Facebook was easy. We have become far to reliant on instant gratification. We want everything, and we want it now, and I'm not entirely sure that its the best way to be friends.
I want authenticity, and depth in my friendships. I want to give a hug, to share a glass of wine or a walk. I'd rather hear your voice on the other end of the phone than share pithy words on Facebook. Wouldn't you?
It's been interesting to follow along. She's more than half way through the journey, and I'm curious to see what happens to her once she's done. Will she eventually fall prey to the ease of Facebook again?
For my part, it's helped me think twice about how I participate. Do I turn to Facebook for the quick hit - the scathing comment, or loving bon mot? Do I scroll through my friends' first day of school photos, trying to out-clever the other comments?
I do agree with her premise, that Facebook as made us superficially involved in one another's lives. No one really needs that much exposure to other people, do they? I look at my "friends" there, and I can't help but wonder, is it really important? Did I care enough about my former college roommate and her husband enough to find her and send her an email? Or try to call her? No, but finding them out on Facebook was easy. We have become far to reliant on instant gratification. We want everything, and we want it now, and I'm not entirely sure that its the best way to be friends.
I want authenticity, and depth in my friendships. I want to give a hug, to share a glass of wine or a walk. I'd rather hear your voice on the other end of the phone than share pithy words on Facebook. Wouldn't you?
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