A few weeks ago, I set up my own Facebook. While I did it to help promote my radio show — and to keep in touch with people from the past and loved ones who live distantly — I soon found that something was missing. The first few days I felt addicted, wanting to log in and see who wrote what. That wore off.
While I was thrilled to hear from old high school friends and past acquaintances, it just doesn’t substitute as having a real relationship, which includes verbal conversations, get-togethers when possible, and having a shoulder for that loved one to cry on during the sad times, and laughing together in the good. While it’s kinda fun, and I will continue to do it, it’s far from real, authentic, connecting.
Today on my daily Internet rounds, I came across this story, which basically details a study that shows social networking doesn’t allow for the development of real compassion and empathy because the rapid-fire transfer of information doesn’t give users enough time or opportunity to absorb the reality of human suffering.
It’s not just Twitter and Facebook. I’ve noticed even on this site, and many like it, that people often fail to show basic compassion, or take time to consider an opposing viewpoint. I believe both the rapidity of communication, coupled with relative anonymity, makes commenters much more bold and perhaps uncaring. Seems many robotically take a side, see the “good guys” and the “bad guys” on a virtual battlefield of ideology, as opposed to having a pithy discussion among thoughtful independent thinkers.
At any rate, my food-for-thought question: Do social networking and other interactive communication websites enhance your life, or do they consume your time, draw you down, and make you less than you ought to be?
One more: Are you fearful that your kids who are growing up with Facebook and MySpace and Twitter and Bebo and whatever else are missing out on learning basic human skills of compassion and understanding?
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It WAS all he had to say about it!
:@:)
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
My kids won’t be touching networking sites until they can afford to purchase their own computer. They’ll be playing outside like I should have been at their age.
I guess that means that I think they’re worthless for the most part.
I use Facebook every day to communicate with family, keep tabs on my sports teams, play games, set up coffee and dinner dates, and reconnect with old friends.
So yes, it’s immoral. Jesus.
I use my phone to communicate with family and friends and email on occasion to connect with old friends from out of state. Aside from that, there’s no need for all that networking crap and i’ve done just fine without it.
Even if you break it down and use it for job hunting, ie LinkedIn, it’s still pretty useless. Snap out of it man! Real live human interaction rules!
You mean that you’re immoral, right? He didn’t say that the sites themselves are immoral, but the users are.
Anyway, I wouldn’t go that far with it…but I was very disturbed when I joined a gaming community and a 10 year old kid was wasting his life away on the computer and shouting out “what what, in the butt” over Ventrilo. I’d say it’s less of a networking site issue and more of a universal internet problem. When information is so accessible, you get just about equal parts of the good and the bad.
I don’t think immoral is the right word, but detrimental?
Yea, I think so.
I love being able to keep in touch with friends and family that live far away, and my MySpace page has been very beneficial for my business. But the other side of that coin is that it is way too easy to simply throw someone here in town an email instead of picking up the phone.
I only noticed recently how much I was using the internet to keep in touch with local friends and family, and each time I’m tempted to email them a note or something, I make the conscious decision to call instead.
I do still send silly things to people that I am fairly sure will appreciate them, and I get a lot in return, but I’m trying very hard to use the phone when I actually have something to say.
Wow, now I remember my mom telling me to get off the phone and go over and talk to my friends if I wanted to talk.
… and time goes by…
I’ve done just about everything but twitter. While i think they have their merrits the only thing I’ve stuck with is blogging. Because, let’s face it, I like face to face contact better.
That and being outside once in a while.
My kids are too young for all of that at the moment. So no worries yet…. though I will keep close tabs on it all when they are older.
i must prefer to get on a webcam site and chat to relax, and maybe show some cleavage….social networking sites are rather tame
lol
Cleavage is always good! lol
Antisocial yes, because you can use social networking sites from the depths of the bat cave, never seeing sunlight or other human beings for days on end. As long as you’ve got a bathroom, a fridge and a hot internet connection you’re cookin.
Immoral? it depends on what you’re telling all the other antisocial slugs that are locked up in their own bat caves. The social networking skin divers, race care drivers, brain surgeons, and rock stars are probably a tad immoral because living a lie isn’t cool.
When you have kids that are sitting next to each other and texting each other. Saying that they will see them on face book or whatever… That don’t know how to socialize face to face.
When they know more about what is happening on YouTube, and don’t have a clue as to what a face to face conversation is. That they have to use emoticons to express themselves. When you actually hear them say lol to each other. You know you have a problem.
.
Come on! Let’s disprove the world’s view of Idaho not getting into the 21st Century!
I’ve reconnected with high school friends that live in Hong Kong, Washington, Germany, etc. I have a cousin in the NW whom I’ve never really gotten to know because our parents weren’t close. We’ve reconnected and are communicating through Facebook which will lead to an in-person visit soon.
You’re right…it’s immoral. We should get rid of that, Elvis’ pelvis gyrations, and probably text messaging too!
Internet connections are definitely beneficial when trying to keep contact long distance. The older I get, the more of my friends and family move out of the area in search of… well, whatever makes them happy
I’m very glad to be able to stay in contact, especially with my brother.
I still hold, however, that people shouldn’t depend on the internet to stay connected with people that are in the same zip code. Get out and see each other, the weather is getting better this week!
Alice, I agree with you!
I also agree with Alice–the best use for social networking sites are to keep in contact with those who are outside your zipcode. I think it’s all in how you use them…I feel like my social networking has enriched my life but moderation is the key.
I also wish more discussion sites disallowed anonymous posting. Stand up for what you believe!
I believe that social networking sites are an instrument of Satan and that Jeremy, Marcus, and Meso are his princes.
You forgot ooh_child, his queen, and tigerlily, the lovechild that he had with Nikki Six.
\m/>.<
I hope that comes through right;)
I dont get texting…i did it for awhile, and spent an hour texting someone with stuff that would have taken a 5 minute call to get out. If you have limited minutes then i can understand it…
as far as social networking sites, i think the pictures are fun, but at the same time i understand the lack of emotion etc etc