A robot woke up one morning. Do robots sleep?
We as a species question everything. We question, so that we can define. We define, so that we talk to one another about the things around us. This helps us to understand our lives, our world, and ourselves. However, the most interesting times in which we learn something new, are when we don't ask any questions at all - when new information presents itself to us when we aren't looking for it.
Facebook is a way for users to ask for more information. You log on and get new info on everyone you know, and a lot of other people you barely know. It is the epicenter of gossip, the fastest way to get your feelings out to the world, and quite possibly the best example of the world's non-critical dependency on technology.
What do I mean by non-critical dependency on technology? I mean that the world has become entirely dependent on technology without being critical of the reasons why it is dependent on said technology. We, and by we I mean Facebook users, blindly signed up and logged on to Facebook without considering what the dangers were in what we were doing. You deniers out there can argue all you want, but I know I signed without a second of hesitation and I'm sure many many other did the same. Now, my life is very dependent on Facebook. As a music student in university, I use Facebook to schedule all my rehearsals, find out when others are having concerts, post when my upcoming performances are, and network with talented individuals whom I know I will want to work with in the future. If it wasn't for Facebook, I can safely say that I would not being doing half as well in school, nor would I be enjoying it half as much as I am. So what could be so bad about it?
In the last six months or so, I have learned some information that I did not ask for. Facebook is seducing me, and I'm sure many others, into thinking that many of my relationships with those I care about are in much better shape than they really are. I have many friends, as many university students do, whom I don't see in person very often. Sure I might send a Facebook message back and forth every once in a while; I might even talk on MSN (which is a little more personal because it is in real time). The problem is that most people, at least in my experiences, are completely polite and non-confrontational on Facebook. When you don't have to deal with the tiresome task of being physically and emotional connected to a conversation, it is very easy to take on a mild, caring, and compassionate persona.
Someone has a problem, you tell them it's ok. Someone is happy about something, you congratulate them. Someone is upset, you comfort them. There is no conflict, or misunderstanding, or telling facial expression, or body posture. Issues are dealt with easily and efficiently, with usually only one, sometimes with neither, person being emotional attached to the subject. Both leave feeling very neutral about everything, which can often lead to real problems and issues being left inside to fester and eventually boil over when the two people in question actually meet in person. I'm positive some of my relationships are in this state right now, and I'm again sure that there are many many people out there who are in the same situation.
So, after reading everything above, do you agree readers? If you do, do you think that the use of Facebook (and other things like it) should be questioned? Should we be blindly logging on, and non-critically becoming dependent? If you don't agree, why don't you? Please comment and discuss this. Again, my goal is to inspire thought and discussion. My secondary goal is to get to a point where I don't need to beg people to respond and discuss (if you like the blog recommend it to others!). Thanks, and here's your somewhat daily dose of lemons!
when life hands you lemons, critically analyze whether you're becoming dependent on the lemons and what that could lead to down the road
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I don't suppose I have quite the same situation you do, but I do agree that Facebook puts relationships in a sort of stasis. On the surface it appears to be a place where you connect with friends when distance is an issue, and catch up on each other's lives - but you can just as easily forget to do that, because there's no human immediacy to the interaction.
ReplyDeleteI think that if cell phones become less radioactive, and phone plans become less restrictive and vindictive, I will change my habits. I will ask myself who I'd like to catch up with, and I will call them. Sometimes it's just the sound of their voice that makes you happy, and I'd rather be happy than efficient.
Very true, I think calling those whom you haven't seen in a while is a lost art. And it is definitely restricted by the way in which cell phone companies charge for minutes, texting, etc.
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