I posted this on my Facebook account today- and I thought it might be relevant to many folks and the social avenues in their lives... so here it is:
ok, I took what, 14 days off of Facebook... and what did I learn and realize?? Something deeply personal for me... that this is a very lonely place... yes, facebook is... it is part of the cyber world- the impersonal, lack of human emotion, affection and general personal interaction one gets from real friendships. Yes, I love all of you, my friends and family on here, don't get me wrong. There is an issue though which is prevalent in society's social world today though. A huge disconnect exists in what is supposed to be human interaction. We, the people, living in this busy world, knowing far too many people to truly enjoy a deep and meaningful relationship with ALL of them, replace the personal interaction, with good intentioned cyber love. Whether it be texting, or Facebook, or Myspace... or Twitter, or instant computer messaging... it is NOT the same thing as social interaction... it is not the same as a conversation with voice inflection and questions showing genuine interest in another human beings welfare. It does not include a hug if you are affectionate, or the emotion only eyes can display. Or the deepest healing element of mankind, which is also the most infectious of all..... DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?? It is something we all need, and often lack... that is LAUGHTER folks... you ever hear a good laugh coming out of someone and begin to giggle too? Do you get that out of "LOL" ??? Sure you can read funny stuff, see funny videos, and get a good laugh- but that is not the same as laughter from true human interaction.
What I realized for me personally, is that although it is great to be on here and read peoples posts, and keep up with people in a way, I felt very lonely in the end of the day despite "reading Facebook". I realized in my two weeks off here, although I missed this social network, it does not replace what I get from you in person- even if in person, is on the phone. So, I will continue to stay on Facebook, and interact here... but that is not enough. Although I am a loner in many ways, and love my quiet times- I feel when I do want to socialize, I prefer from now on to talk to you, versus posting to you..... Life is short, and I want quality, not quantity in everything I do... and I want the same for you!! I want my interactions to BE personal, not guarded, and therefore from this point out, will pick and choose and re-evaluate what I get from Facebook and who is on i.m. friends list. The ones that are? Are far more then "cyber-buddies".... you are my friends, you mean alot to me, I value you and want to talk to you IN PERSON! I hope you understand what I mean here, and I hope it makes you think about the quality of friendships in your own life too- to realize that posting to someone on Facebook is truly not MAINTAINING your friendships... it is just a component contributing to them..... and it is not enough to think that it is making someone feel like they are appreciated... you want them to know you care? Have some good olden day inspiration and have them over for dinner, or call them, or go visit them...... yes, thats what I figured out during my two weeks off of facebook my friends... thats all, a simple little realization that truly struck a chord in me... thanks for listening~
ok, I took what, 14 days off of Facebook... and what did I learn and realize?? Something deeply personal for me... that this is a very lonely place... yes, facebook is... it is part of the cyber world- the impersonal, lack of human emotion, affection and general personal interaction one gets from real friendships. Yes, I love all of you, my friends and family on here, don't get me wrong. There is an issue though which is prevalent in society's social world today though. A huge disconnect exists in what is supposed to be human interaction. We, the people, living in this busy world, knowing far too many people to truly enjoy a deep and meaningful relationship with ALL of them, replace the personal interaction, with good intentioned cyber love. Whether it be texting, or Facebook, or Myspace... or Twitter, or instant computer messaging... it is NOT the same thing as social interaction... it is not the same as a conversation with voice inflection and questions showing genuine interest in another human beings welfare. It does not include a hug if you are affectionate, or the emotion only eyes can display. Or the deepest healing element of mankind, which is also the most infectious of all..... DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?? It is something we all need, and often lack... that is LAUGHTER folks... you ever hear a good laugh coming out of someone and begin to giggle too? Do you get that out of "LOL" ??? Sure you can read funny stuff, see funny videos, and get a good laugh- but that is not the same as laughter from true human interaction.
What I realized for me personally, is that although it is great to be on here and read peoples posts, and keep up with people in a way, I felt very lonely in the end of the day despite "reading Facebook". I realized in my two weeks off here, although I missed this social network, it does not replace what I get from you in person- even if in person, is on the phone. So, I will continue to stay on Facebook, and interact here... but that is not enough. Although I am a loner in many ways, and love my quiet times- I feel when I do want to socialize, I prefer from now on to talk to you, versus posting to you..... Life is short, and I want quality, not quantity in everything I do... and I want the same for you!! I want my interactions to BE personal, not guarded, and therefore from this point out, will pick and choose and re-evaluate what I get from Facebook and who is on i.m. friends list. The ones that are? Are far more then "cyber-buddies".... you are my friends, you mean alot to me, I value you and want to talk to you IN PERSON! I hope you understand what I mean here, and I hope it makes you think about the quality of friendships in your own life too- to realize that posting to someone on Facebook is truly not MAINTAINING your friendships... it is just a component contributing to them..... and it is not enough to think that it is making someone feel like they are appreciated... you want them to know you care? Have some good olden day inspiration and have them over for dinner, or call them, or go visit them...... yes, thats what I figured out during my two weeks off of facebook my friends... thats all, a simple little realization that truly struck a chord in me... thanks for listening~
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