Online Social Networking

What are my thoughts? Let’s break it down.

My sibling, let’s call her Y (to keep her anonymous), can’t stand the whole online dating thing because honestly, you should get your ass out there, have some fun, be open, and meet new people. In short, do it “con ganas.” That is, put a little effort up in there. My cousin in Spain, let’s call him M, another mover and a shaker, is also uncomfortable with this whole online social interaction phenomenon. He says he likes to have that physical, human contact. What’s the deal with sitting at home interacting with your computer…..you really miss out on the joys of life. That said, his job is working with computers for a Spanish city, and my sister also spends a lot of time online, updating her profile and communicating with friends on this “myspace.” Those youngsters keep talking about it.

Anyway, so I was very against any sort of online nonsense. I kept holding back. No, I will not join Facebook! I will not be on Friendster…I am not a coo coo bird. But then, my friend, let’s call him J (to keep him anonymous), created a Friendster profile for me. He created a password with my email address. I was forced into a Friendster profile! And then, you know what happened? I logged on. And I added him as a friend. And once you add one person, you add another. And then another. And then before you know it, you’ve uploaded a whole vacation photograph album, and used different photographs for the different online social network accounts that you now hold.

What’s my point? I don’t really know. I guess, one shouldn’t judge. But that’s no fun. So, ok, you’re dorky or socially awkward or very busy with your career and life, or you just moved to a new city. Fine, do what you want. But don’t expect me to take you seriously. Yup, I’m a judger. Ugh whatever. Having an opinion is so stressful.

But for argument’s sake, here it is. I judge the person less and the society more. Why don’t we live in a more communal, social society that is less about individualism and technology and more about really cool times, I ask you.

- Jess