A social used to mean people met face-to-face. Of course the meaning has changed to mean people 'post' to one another's digital persona. How long do you think virtual exchange will rival a live meeting? No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, it's hard to compete with seeing someone up close and personal.
Take for example tonight. I went to see a band play in a local bar. Something about the vodka and the beat kept me in a groove. If I were Googling that event and a YouTube video came up in a search, I'd click and listen for a few, and then, 'kiss of death' .... I'd go elsewhere.
You simply cannot package experience. No matter how fancy smancy the tools.... being there will always take precedence over a digitized facsimile.
So to all you Facebook fanatics.... it's just a post. Saying you've been there and done that is cool. I want to be there myself to taste the wine, hear the tunes, and of course eat the calamari! If you missed it, it's ok. I'm sure I missed out on your perfect day or perhaps your detour. I'll wait to see where instead you wound up.
I'm into seeing the real deal. Let me know where and when! I'll try to make it but if I don't, I'll try to genuinely not take it personally if I wasn't 'tagged' or mentioned. After all would I do the same to my hundreds of 'friends?' NO offense meant!
We all know that all those 'friends' can sometimes be, well a tad, virtual!
Having a clear perspective and recognition of what computers have become may help to leave them off once in awhile. They once were used as a tool to do work, or to make work easier. They've crossed over into a recreational realm (that's nothing) new. What's new for me is realizing every time I use social a network, I am in fact being in real life, anti social.
So instead of FOMO, I'm switching my approach and usage of computers to be, UIWIC, or 'Use it when it's convenient.' My thinking is that every use should have a purpose, other than surfing. I'll see how it turns out after one week!
I got pretty badly ensconced into The social media to the point I was not only putting real encounters with people off, I wasn't even caring for my home. I decided one day that I would be on the computer AFTER these things were accomplished. Now if I have time I will take a few minutes for the computer, read blogs write blogs and in general"socialize". I have a great support system through the people I've met on-line that I am not willing to give up. Neither am I ready to give up my live action friends and family. 1 yr. olds don't type.
ReplyDeleteWow - that's a good way to look at it. I don't think I'd give it up but do need to put it aside and return to reality, as you say. Especially when the dust bunnies are visible! Thanks for your input!
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