Confessions of an Addict
Let me confess that I am a Facebook addict. I log on more than I should. I tune in hourly to see who is making coffee, who is feeling ill, or sad, who has a new relationship, and who has poked me. It’s ridiculous really. I even have it on my phone.
Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with 314 people who have at some point in life crossed my path; most of whom I would have never spoken with again. For the most part, this has been a great thing. I enjoy seeing my friend’s spouses, kids, careers, and vacation photos. It’s been great. I have reconnected with people from summer jobs, college, church, and even my kindergarten class.
Something’s just not right, however. There is a season for people in life. People come and go, sometimes for the good, and the not so good. It’s a natural process to grow apart from people and go our separate ways. It’s just how life works. However, Facebook has allowed us to collect these people and see the happenings of their daily lives…like it or not…forever. It’s a clutter of relationship. There is no goodbye, and no end. The guy in math class who you never really liked, but never really disliked, who you were fine parting ways with at graduation is suddenly back in your life…everyday. Now you get to see his every emotion, every move.
We have created an Open-Door policy to our lives. We exploit ourselves…posting all the details of our lives on our carefully crafted page, giving people no reason to interact by other means. In many ways it eliminates the need for real relationship. Why should I call you? I know how your work is going, who you’re dating, what time you went to bed last night, and how you feel about our new president. Is there really anything else to talk about?
Facebook has allowed us all to have our own reality show. We are entertainers. I feel that it is my personal responsibility to entertain 314 people with clever status updates, scenic mobile uploads, and witty chain letters. I go throughout my day creating a narrative in my head of how I can turn my current situation into a witty status update. Whenever I do or see something interesting, I feel that I need to entertain all 314 of you with a mobile upload on my digital camera. This isn’t all bad, but can be. Example, I have realized that the only reason I know what is going on in my brother’s life in New York is through his status updates, and haven’t spoken with him in months. There are friends who live within a 10 miles radius who I haven’t seen or talked with in over a year, but through Facebook I know everything that is happening in their life.
I used to blog before Facebook came along. I would draft lengthy compositions about my life. It was a great thing, and I admire people who still blog regularly. Unfortunately, my blogging friends and I left this to spend our time composing status updates, haikus. Our life is now summarized in short sound bites of useless blather.
As I work to figure this out, I hope not too many people de-friend me…as they realize that I am that dude in their math class. Until then, I’ll figure this one out and post a solution to my edgy post-modern dilemma.
Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with 314 people who have at some point in life crossed my path; most of whom I would have never spoken with again. For the most part, this has been a great thing. I enjoy seeing my friend’s spouses, kids, careers, and vacation photos. It’s been great. I have reconnected with people from summer jobs, college, church, and even my kindergarten class.
Something’s just not right, however. There is a season for people in life. People come and go, sometimes for the good, and the not so good. It’s a natural process to grow apart from people and go our separate ways. It’s just how life works. However, Facebook has allowed us to collect these people and see the happenings of their daily lives…like it or not…forever. It’s a clutter of relationship. There is no goodbye, and no end. The guy in math class who you never really liked, but never really disliked, who you were fine parting ways with at graduation is suddenly back in your life…everyday. Now you get to see his every emotion, every move.
We have created an Open-Door policy to our lives. We exploit ourselves…posting all the details of our lives on our carefully crafted page, giving people no reason to interact by other means. In many ways it eliminates the need for real relationship. Why should I call you? I know how your work is going, who you’re dating, what time you went to bed last night, and how you feel about our new president. Is there really anything else to talk about?
Facebook has allowed us all to have our own reality show. We are entertainers. I feel that it is my personal responsibility to entertain 314 people with clever status updates, scenic mobile uploads, and witty chain letters. I go throughout my day creating a narrative in my head of how I can turn my current situation into a witty status update. Whenever I do or see something interesting, I feel that I need to entertain all 314 of you with a mobile upload on my digital camera. This isn’t all bad, but can be. Example, I have realized that the only reason I know what is going on in my brother’s life in New York is through his status updates, and haven’t spoken with him in months. There are friends who live within a 10 miles radius who I haven’t seen or talked with in over a year, but through Facebook I know everything that is happening in their life.
I used to blog before Facebook came along. I would draft lengthy compositions about my life. It was a great thing, and I admire people who still blog regularly. Unfortunately, my blogging friends and I left this to spend our time composing status updates, haikus. Our life is now summarized in short sound bites of useless blather.
As I work to figure this out, I hope not too many people de-friend me…as they realize that I am that dude in their math class. Until then, I’ll figure this one out and post a solution to my edgy post-modern dilemma.
posted by Brandon at 8:49 PM
2 Comments:
I, and many, share your conflicted sentiments. Accordingly, it is cause for conversation in "real life" too. Let's have one of those things, you know, "conversations," sometime soon! Maybe with some tea and a scone? Peace out.
Ok, so I'm late to this party, but great post. I totally agree. Technology is a double-edged sword that often leaves more of a scar than anything positive. For the most part, I don't like what it's done to my life and to those around me. I crave un-plugging and yet I fear it. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
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