Be Sweet When You Tweet; Don’t Boast When You Post: Weird Events: Hurt Feelings
Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
I am not against the advancement of technology. I think it is great that one can tweet from the Olympic Games what is happening in an instant. I think it is a good thing if FaceBook is the only (or preferred) way you can keep in touch with your family and friends. It’s not technology that I am against. It is the way people choose to use the technology that is disturbing.
The cell phone has been around a few years now, but it seems that etiquette and common sense has escaped some of the users. Again, cell phones are a good thing. They are great for emergencies and for keeping in touch when you are not home (although I don’t understand why one would even want to be available 24/7).
What is it about these new ways of communication that is “the best of times and the worst of times?” What is missing? Do we need a guidebook to help us along?
Britain's Daily Mail published a story in February about what the newspaper called the " world's first divorce by Facebook. "
Emma Brady, 35, said she was " shell-shocked " when she heard from friends that her husband had posted their breakup on Facebook.
Brady told the newspaper she had no idea her husband wanted a divorce.
The question that enters my mind is why divorce plans would be posted on the Internet?
Shouldn’t some news be delivered in person?
As I was doing research for this article, I found out that some people had found out about a tragic death of a loved one via Facebook (while checking their account). The real-time nature of the web spread information far faster than even the police or phone calls could. These events are probably rare but sad.
One of the best articles I have read about social networking is from Our Sunday Visitor (osv.com). Dr. Wallk Metts, a professor of communications and media at Spring Arbor University in Michigan presents some warnings about facebook.
The first warning is an obvious one: " Many people's profiles don't represent who they are, but who they want people to think they are. " Dr. Metts actually refers to Facebook as Fakebook.
He goes on to say that studies indicate that the use of social media is related to a " diminished capacity for solitude. "
" Historically, solitude has been an incubator for the self-reflection necessary for faith and for producing great works of art, music and all other creative pursuits of excellence, " Metts said. " When we're not able to be alone, we lose the capacity for reflection and creativity. " ( Christopher Chapman, director of adult faith formation for the Diocese of Pittsburgh)
A big problem I see with FaceBook or other social networking sites is having many “friends” who we may not even know very well. Sharing personal information and chatting become a way of life, while we miss the intimate telephone calls or personal visits of family members and the ones we love.
Do you really want your parents to learn about all your achievements through a social network, instead of telling them in person? Do you want to know that your friends have had a party without inviting you? These are some disadvantages of social networking.
Even though I have tried to be cool and accept social networking, it seems my first impression of Twitter and FaceBook remains in my mind. I see it as a vessel that can make one an instant celebrity, yet truly unknown to family and friends.
I should add that I have a FaceBook account that I am considering canceling. I just turned off my Google “Buzz.” We each have to make our own decisions about social networking. (I wonder how many of us are on FaceBook because we have been pressured by others to join?)
( For my friends and family on FaceBook: I know you are truly my friends and this article in no way is a slam at you.)
I don’t have answers for some of the problems and issues of social networking. It is a changing world and I am trying to be progressive. However, I don’t want to look back and see that I missed some really good experiences and friendships because I was on FaceBook peering into the lives of others.
Adam Savage said, “I reject your reality and substitute it for my own.”
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Hi Fran,Another excellent article. I myself wonder at times where some get so much time to social network. By the time I get to spend time at these places, I fall behind with everyday life. My cell phone is hardly ever on (only in necessity) and I often look forward to vacation times when I don't have to be answering phones or socializing. Nonetheless, I am not an introvert in any way.Love, hugs and blessings,Michelle
I just do not have time to learn all the ins and outs of all the places and faces available right now.... thanks for the informative article! I really like your title too.MarijoThanks, Marijo. I don't really want to TAKE the time to figure it all out.
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