As I tilt back on my proverbial rocking chair, I marvel at social interactions today... 15 years ago, the only ways I knew to contact someone was to call, write a letter, or walk up to their door. Chances are, considering my personality, I met them one-on-one or in small groups. Today, e-mail is my main social arm. But I've also extended my reach and joined Linked In and Facebook, and am amazed by this extensive cyberworld of social networks. And in the case of Facebook, the phenomenon of uninhibited posts.
I've discovered that, on Facebook, I can view profile photos of anyone who may show up in my random searches, incl. provocative poses of those (mostly women) who really don't care who sees them or know that they live in e.g., Tampa Bay. (Who knew some of my friends share the same names as dozens of others?!) It makes me realize that this age and rampant popularity of reality shows, You Tube, Facebook, MySpace, and personal blogs (ahem) really reveals that we are truly social beings. We need to associate with others, and in some cases, crave affirmation from them. Cyberspace allows everyone -- well, everyone with access -- to be part of an open society, whether you're gregarious, shy, popular, or awkward in the "real world".
But are really we anymore "connected" to others than we were, say, 15 years ago? I can still count on one hand the number of people who really know my life story. But many others can now claim to know more bits and pieces of it than I would have ever imagined before.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
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1 comment:
This is pretty insiteful - really lends one to believe that anonymity in a technological age is getting harder and harder - hence the need for a internal sense of morality and rightness when interacting with others in the ether.
we're deep ;) - A
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