I heard the below quote this past weekend on NPR. It made me reflect on some of the feelings I've had lately with being so connected.
Social media is the "...Illusion of companionship without the demands of intimacy, we confuse postings and online sharing with authentic communication".
What do you think of this quote by Sherry Turkle? When on Facebook, Twitter, etc., are we trading in authentic communication and connection for superficial companionship? I look forward to reading your thoughts.
The quote has merit, everything should be done in moderation and it's up to all of us to limit our time with technology and be sure to get out and interact personally. I do have to say I think of the positive regarding social media - it links thousands (or millions) of people together instantly in an effort to have a voice as in political protests or the toppling of regimes. On a much smaller scale it allows my husband to communicate much more easily with his Italian cousins, whereas before it would be a snail mail letter once a year or so. Good, thought provoking question...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts. I, too, think it's a great way to connect with those we care about who live far away; but, it takes personal responsiblity to recognize when and if it's replacing authentic relationships. I'd like to post on Facebook my email address and phone number and tell my "friends" that I'm taking a break for a bit, but they can connect using the email or phone - there would only be a few that would keep in touch via "old school" methods. And, that's okay. Truth be told, in real life it's difficult to keep up with 1,000 "friends".
DeleteI debated for a long while regarding Facebook or blogging. My husband let me peruse around FB under his account for a bit and I was so disappointed to see people spouting off about this or that (I know, blogs can be like that too). I was actually appalled at some of the prejudice and intolerance being posted by people that I thought were fairly level headed (including some relatives, lol). I think they fail to realize once it's "out there" on the web, there is a permanent digital footprint back to them. I chose to blog since it seemed "calmer" and more creative, like writing a newspaper column (you may be too young to remember Erma Bombeck's column, a favorite of mine). I like the "old school" methods still - especially writing thank you notes, I'm a stickler for those.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could link to it - I read a report that stated that research had shown (not sure how...) that Facebook has actually changed adult brains to be more like those of children: egocentric. As soon as one puts a comment or post out there, responses and "likes" flock to it making one feel like he or she is relevant and the center of everything. I've even noticed with me that I do get a good feeling when my comments/posts are liked, and a bit sad when they do not. I've seen what you have, that people quickly put their immediate gripes and vague complaints up for the world to see and comment; almost like FB allows for a virtual venting session. I also read too much into posts and pictures and find that I then judge, which I don't like at all (I'm judging something that may or may not be real, it's just my perception of something that one has chosen to share). So, I'm realizing the effects FB has on me and trying to get those in check. I've unfriended and unfollowed friends and family when I realize that the vibes are not positive. I do agree that I enjoy blogging more : ) And, I love snail mail which I use often since I purchased an address stamp (which I love). I send a lot of mail to my nieces and nephews in hopes that they will appreciate mail vice virtual-only communication.
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