Here is another link on the subject: Narcissus Syndrome: Overcoming Social Selfishness Posted on October 11th, 2010 It was a bright fall day on Liberty’s campus last year. I was standing with a new acquaintance, sharing contact information, when he asked the inevitable: ”Do you have Facebook?” I smiled and shook my head. “No, I deleted my account.” ”Oh, okay. Well what’s you cell number? I’ll text you.” I smiled again. “Well, here’s my number… but don’t text me. I don’t have texting, and I get charged $0.20 per message.” My friend’s eyes widened and he sighed noticeably. “What’s with you? How do you communicate?!” How do we communicate in this technologically advanced world? There are more ways to contact your friends electronically (and immediately) than there are ice cream flavors at Coldstone Creamery. We are constantly asked if we have Facebook, to be greeted with shock if the answer isn’t “yes,’” while only five years ago there were many people who would’ve had no idea what one was talking about (“Facebook? Like, a photo album?”) Many people say that enhanced communication enables us to better connect with our friends and associates, therefore helping establish lasting relationships. I beg to differ. Before I begin, let me establish that I don’t think Facebook is necessarily wrong.What I believe is that Facebook and other methods of communication (like texting, IM, and other social networks) are universally abused. Concerning Facebook, what was once limited to Harvard students has taken the nation by storm. We speak of “friending” people as if the word was a verb. Formerly, a “friend” was someone you spent valuable time with, grew to know and love, and cultivated a thriving relationship with. Now a “friend” can be just number 647 in your list of random acquaintances in cyberspace. Because I have had a Facebook account (which I now have again), I know the appeal. It’s quick, it’s fun, there’s colorful pictures and addictive quizzes, and you can contact anyone in the world at the click of a button. It seems like everyone has one! Even my parents’ friends have accounts - even my Mom has an account! It can be a great avenue to share updates and pictures with people far away. But for that very reason, it can also be very abused. Picture with me a Christmas party, at which a young woman comes up to you in an outfit you are shocked she would wear in public. Not only is she questionably (and obnoxiously) dressed, but as soon as she sees you she begins to give you the play-by-play of her current state of affairs. “I’m drinking a glass of champagne right now!” “I’m enjoying riveting conversation at a dinner party!” “I love my new dress!!!
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:46:09 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015