Friday, August 8, 2008

Facebook Rant

I've been on Facebook for about 3 weeks now. I have found people I have not seen in 20 years; some very good friends I had unintentionally lost contact with; and 95% of my current social circle has shown up on FB as well.

But...I feel like the mode of communication is so superficial. Yeah, it's fun to send plants for your friend's greenpatch. It's interesting to take the compatibility quizzes. It's kind of fun to set up a "flair" pinboard showing (off) ones (heightened sense of) taste and (superiorily intellectual) interests.

I can't help thinking that although I know where people have ended up, and seen a few pictures of their families, and know where they work, I don't know them any more than I did pre-FB. In fact, I have found that the quality of contact with my current social circle (all of whom I love dearly) has declined. While not as good as face-to-face contact, I did send meaningful e-mails to my friends before FB.

I'm not giving up Facebook. It is FUN. But it is not meaningful. Therefore, I won't be spending much time time on it henceforth...

I'd welcome comments. Anyone? Anyone? If anyone is out there reading my blog?

8 comments:

C D said...

Hey Stephanie ~ CD from Desertdiva here, and I agree 100% it is FUN and only fun. I've connected other people who had lost touch -- also fun... but as far as really re-establishing a connection or relationship on FB -- nope. It is more like waving to someone from a passing car, when you'd rather have run into them accidentally on the train and have the chance to sit and catch up for 20 minutes!

Thanx for the a cappella link - I'm late (again) this morning, but I'll be back!!

stephanie j. said...

Thanks c d -- may I quote you? "Waving at someone from a passing car" is the perfect metaphor.

Unknown said...

I agree with you too!

Social Media is a great starting point to connecting and (staying connected for those of us who move every ding-dang year) but nothing will ever replace real hand written letters or face to face communication and fellowship!

Christine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christine said...

I like Facebook as well. I also agree that writing letters or just a simple call is better. It adds a personal touch IMO. Do you all use the apps to have fun with your friends?

Has anyone tried the One Minute Mogul application? http://apps.facebook.com/oneminutemogul/

stephanie j. said...

Thanks for the comment, Christine. I used to use all of the apps like "flair", "little green patch" and others. It was kind of novel at first. I do them occasionally, and I accept them from friends. I like the applications that help more learn more information about my friends such as the book reading/rating and the daily bible verse. I love the "what am I doing now" because it brings me into the day to day mundane information that I miss having friends far flung across the country.

Christine said...

I always type somethin in the "what am i doing now." Whatever I'm feeling, I type it there. I have alot of friends on the eastcoast I keep in contact with. If you want, you can have your friends work for you in the One Minute Mogul app. You can start your own play company and have them as your employees :D.

stephanie j. said...

christine, i'm not sure who you are. would you introduce yourself?

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