Social Networking

I just read that FaceBook is starting up Messages so that we can all spend more time online 'socializing'. OK. I guess. But I'm still wondering how something that is going to remove us even further from personal contact can be called socializing LOL I'll admit I'm technology resistant and more that a bit behind times but I just don't see typing in yet another message being quite the same as a good old heart-to-heart over a cup of coffee. There's just something lost in not having that personal face to face contact. Maybe it's advancing age or maybe it's just the dislike of technology but I don't see where all our social networking is doing us much good.

On a recent trip to Walt Disney World I was amazed and actually a bit horrified to see the large number of people texting and cell chatting away while ignoring their surroundings. Adults and children alike walked down Main Street oblivious to the excitement around them, their eyes and attention focused on the small screen in their hands. I mean, come ON people, this is the height of entertainment, a virtual overload for the senses, and you've got your heads stuck in a Droid or iPhone! ROFL How much more removed from the 'real' world can we get?

I have friends that I have not had a conversation with in years. Oh, I've tried, believe me. But it's difficult to talk much less carry on a coherent conversation when they're poking at their cell phone every 15 seconds Tweeting or texting or whatever the latest craze is. Not to mention it's just plain rude! We'll skip over the dangerous texting and gabbing drivers, the restaurant meals ruined by over loud hand-held video games and even the abundance of TMI everywhere we look. Really, it is THAT important to know what so-and-so star had for breakfast? LOL

When email became popular many mourned the demise of the written letter and what it's loss might mean for our over all community connection. Electronic books took away the book lovers joys of fresh bindings not yet cracked open and the smell of ink on paper. Cell phones made it impossible to have an uninterrupted conversation, meal or even potty break without our personal phone or another's demanding attention. And hey, the days of boosting the visiting kid up at the table by sitting them on the phone book are also leaving too. Seems even now directories, information and operators are all obsolete thanks to social networking and technology. Don't be too sad though. They tell me it's worth it in the resources and trees saved LOL Don't get me wrong. Conservation is great but over all I'd rather save the human element in our social networking.

If I might make a small suggestion to all those in cyber land . . . UNPLUG! Turn the cell phone off, ignore the Twitters, forget the link to FaceBook or UTube and see if you remember what it's like to have an honest to gosh conversation face to face with another human being. One not interrupted by the latest ring tone, multi-tasked or conducted with one ear and one eye on your Blackberry. We're people here, not machines, and we deserve undivided attention.