I remember just a few years ago setting up a Facebook account shortly after the social media website was provided for users of any kind. I recall moaning and groaning any time a website change was implemented moving the notification bar from the bottom to the top or even consolidating how many times you are told someone has liked or commented on something.
Twitter I got into but use now more as an information tool. I don’t exactly tweet as much as others my age – or perhaps even my bosses would appreciate.
Instagram came about and to me became a Facebook page for pictures only. And, oh by the way, you can slap a nice filter on it to make it look like you took the picture 30 years ago and it aged gracefully.
My problem is I fell into that pit of posting two, three, even more times a day. I was turning my Facebook page into a platform of ideas and musings going through my head. When others did that I’d find it annoying so why am I doing it?
Recently a coworker of mine made an interesting observation. Why must we throw something out for public consumption instead of using a thought or event in our lives to share with one other person in a way to communicate the way we did, say, ten years ago.
The thought didn’t really hit me until later.
Then I expanded on it. All the texting, all the posting. When do we really communicate one on one with each other face to face?
Is this why some younger generations seem a little awkward in one on one situations? I’m not saying so, but it’s a thought.
Lately, I’ve backed away from the social media aspect. Almost like a personal experiment. I’m less addicted to it. I still use it when there is a reason to but not all the time and I’ve stopped throwing every thought out there.
Do you really care that I whipped up some fantastic and delicious meal? Would you like a picture? No you don’t.
Social media is important. The way we can communicate and connect with others. But finding out when you use it too much is the fine line between informative and funny and downright annoying and I certainly don’t want to be the latter.
Eric J. Bushman
