I use Facebook quite a bit. Almost my entire family is three time zones away, and I have friends and acquaintances strewn across the country. Lately, though, I've been thinking more and more on the social and marketing aspects of this huge network. I may still be in touch with my best friend from kindergarten, but are we connected? I can 'like' an update from a professor who taught me ten years ago, but all that tells her is 'I saw your post, but I have nothing real to say about it.' We see these people every day when we log on, but are we interacting with them? Do I want 130 faces, or do I want a few deep connections?
On top of this lack of social connection due to over social connection, I feel that my Facebook experience is becoming more than anything else an agreement to be subtly (and not-so-subtly) advertised to. The social network continues to push the bounds of privacy. There are many options for me to limit what the world sees about me, but there are also many avenues for the world to be foisted upon me while I scan my newsfeed. Logging on has become a compulsive chore. I MUST see what my friends are up to, but I take little joy in it.
And so, I come to the point of this. The first of hopefully many frequent posts. I want to share what's actually going on in my life. What brings me joy and what I'm currently stumped on. I hope that some of the people whom I share a real connection with will check in on me every so often, and will share thoughtful commentary. Even if it says 'Good point!' or 'I disagree.' at least it's not a click of the mouse on a little thumbs up that tells me nothing more than 'I saw this amongst hundreds of other posts'.
I'm not boycotting Facebook, it has it's uses. It just shouldn't be the basis for my social life. And so, without further rambling, I give you my little collection of stuffy stuff: Tater Famine. :)
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