The familiar idiom, "a penny for your thoughts," comes to mind when I consider how much we now lack modesty and dignity when it comes to social networks and sites. Technology, what have you done to us?!?!
As I log into some of these sites, I am hit in the face with statuses and posts--millions! Some have substance, making you think, smile, laugh, and even comment or reply to the statements...but there are those other postings that just make you wonder: WHY? WHAT ON EARTH? WAS ALL OF THAT REALLY NECESSARY?
Like that awkward feeling you get when you can smell funk and want to make sure it's not your armpits or breath, I find myself in one of those predicaments when I see the many thoughts that get posted. I am caused to question what others may be thinking about some of my postings. And, I can't help but wonder if I am on some whole other level of thinking where this is truly not a big deal--just me overreacting. Perhaps, if I didn't spend so much time on the websites myself, I would not be reading or following all that foolishness, or sitting here distressed over it all.
I have toyed with the possibility of deactivating my accounts, so I won't have to read or see the crazy debates and idleness of those around me who are on the webpages what appears to be all day and night. The contemplation, though, is as far as it goes. I debate with myself and determine that I should not have to end the communications and networks I have with friends and family due to what really may only be a small population out there who happen to be getting under my skin.
What is also perplexing is the fact that there are coworkers, children, and people I have never met or barely know who request being a part of my friends list--WHY I question...I know I lead a pretty quiet and private life (in many ways) to those who do not know me well, but I am again forced to wonder if people are just nosey and only desire to want to know a little bit more about me and mi vida loca.
Recently while visiting with my mother, she asked me to go into her account for one of the websites she is on in order to up her security settings. As I was doing this, she had me to smile with concerns about what her friends could view/see of the pages of others. "I don't want anyone seeing that girl's status posts, talking all crazy and cussing. And did you see that one picture of the girl who is naked?!?!" Okay. Okay. Firstly, the picture she was referring to was a profile picture of one of her friend's friends posting to this lady's page. The whole cussing and profanity only adds more justification, though, to what I am talking about. I reassured my mother that none of her friends could see these posts; they did not reflect her and were not on her own page.
AND, I have to say the worst is when people on your friends list call, email/inbox, or text you in order to talk about the postings: "Did you see what I posted and what such and such had the nerve to respond back with? The nerve! Who does she think she is?" I've had a few people I work with to come to me after posting things with questions about whether or not they've gone too far with their words and thoughts. And then we have those who merely love the gossip and post wars or debates that end up on pages--cyber bullying is not only in the world of children, people! I see it more with adults sad enough.
But, really...I think about the people on here who have parents, loved ones, colleagues, bosses, etc. who have access to their pages and can see when the person has a stint with depression, anger, happiness, and every other emotion. I suppose my plea is that we get back to a point where we can realize everything thought or felt does not have to be put out there for all to see--especially on a social network. I am not interested in the fact that you will be gone for five days at such-and-such hotel with no one to watch your pet, but I am sure there are some thieves out there who appreciate that tip-off. And, no, I do not need to know about your bathroom habits, disappointment with other people on the site, or that you're now removing friends. DISCRETION...Oh, how I love that word!
And, maybe I am the hypocrite as I pour out my soul on this network--a public diary? Well, actually, I came to terms a long time ago that anything I post I must be willing to have comfort with, but I feel as though I am "posting" and venting my thoughts in the appropriate place--a blog. I mean, really, if you need to get your thoughts down make a blog, get a journal, or consider tweeting. Just like I do not care to see two people groping one another--get a room--I do not wish to see your loud, vulgar, embarrassing, private thoughts. You do not have to a role model, but you should consider what type of character you're presenting with the programs and groups you're choosing to like and join, as well as all those thoughts you keep pinning up.
Don't worry. If you're reading this post and happen to feel like this message applies to you, I truly do not judge or think less of you (smile). The fact of the matter is the only person I need to work on controlling the actions of is me. Plus, I know I have been guilty more than a few times of some of the very items I am protesting.
Wooooooosaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!
Final thoughts: Watch what you post, share, or vent about--it may make you feel worse.
