Choking on the "Future"

Choking on the "Future"

  You start up the internet and log into Facebook, you'll only be on for a minute, you just want to make sure that party is this weekend, not next weekend. As you do you type in your Email and password and, it's wrong. You type it again, maybe you hit the wrong button or caps-lock was on. You retype the password, then hit "Enter" with a bit more intensity, still wrong. The next step is one of two different ones; you either retype the password and pound enter just a bit harder or you go through trying your Twitter password, your Email password and any other passwords you can think of off of the top of your head, determined to get to the social networking that awaits you.

  There isn't a problem with social networking, its a fun, easy way to keep up on events and other people, the problem I've been having is social consumption. I have friends (quite a few) who sit on the computer hoping and waiting for something interesting to happen on Facebook. They wait for a status that is offensive or funny enough that other people get involved and then things are "exciting" I'm not saying a little bit of Facebook conversation isn't interesting to watch, as people we enjoy watching the interactions between others, that's why we love movies so much. There are two problems as I see it, one is social over-exposure.

  Social over-exposure is simple and easy to fall into. You just have to update your Twitter about what you ate, tell everyone that you're working the 9-5 again, post a quick picture of your new shades to Instagram and then check your Blog to make sure people viewed it over the weekend and you're all set. I know people are meant to interact and be social, but do we really need to drown ourselves in the idea that just because we're talking means others are listening? In short, I'd say no. Granted you can point the finger at me and say "But you're blogging, obviously you expect people to read about your life, why can't I expect the same?" The line is drawn between people who have a blog or blogs who have an author. Personally I'm not consumed with my Blog, it's a nice release of thoughts but if I were to post daily, making t-shirts with my web address on it and told all my friends to check it out, that may be a bit much.

  The second problem with social networking is simply, why? Why do we need to let people know what we're doing every couple of hours or minutes? It's partly because we are, undeniably social as people. We like to interact, chat, give and receive approval. The difference, again, is if we're sharing important parts of our lives with others or if we're trying to use Instagram as our picture-autobiography. Connecting with others is important, some would even argue that it's vital to being healthy, whole human beings. Just make sure that your social networking time doesn't cut into your social time.--Mattaghetti

By the way, remember to follow me on twitter @mattaghetti