When I went to Mardi Gras back in February my best friend ever from high school drove to DWF where we spent an hour catching up before my flight. She convinced me to join Facebook as a way to stay in touch. I had no idea it would change how I communicate with everyone I know.
Through Facebook I've reconnected with family, friends and acquaintances that I lost touch with decades ago. Most of the reunions have been enjoyable. It's been great to catch up on the lives of old high school and college friends. It's also a great way to stay current on family affairs as well.
Some of the reunions have been less enjoyable. Like the girl who lived across the street from me growing up in Oklahoma City. After "friending" each other I discovered her dedication to all things hateful in Christianity and vocal distaste of homosexuals. The last message between us was when I asked, "does this cock in my mouth make me look gay?". I never heard back.
Over all, I think Facebook has a lot to offer society, but it also has it's dark side. Staying in touch with everyone you know with the click of a mouse sure makes it easy to forgo verbal interaction. I know everything that's been going on in my Berkeley cousin's life, and we haven't spoken or seen each other in months.
Facebook can also be a time-suck. As someone with an addictive personality the last thing I need is another reason to remain sedentary in front of my computer. Porn eats enough of my day as it is.
Beyond time, the other casualty of life on Facebook is blogging. Why bother when you can update your FB newsfeed 10 times a day, even if nothing interesting is happening? The family and friend blogs I read have quieted way down, and this is the first update to mine in 3 months. It really doesn't matter though. No one reads blogs anymore; they're all on Facebook.
But I miss blogging, it's like keeping a journal. Though I wouldn't post anything too private, blogging is a chance to slow down and reflect on the day or week, or something interesting. For me blogging is a way to show creativity, share my interests and do a little soul searching. It also feels more "personal". I'm not sure why that is, but it does.
My friend Christine (whom I reconnected with on Facebook) said she liked my writing. No one has ever told me that before, but since I enjoy writing I've decided it's time for less Facebook and more blogging, whether anybody reads it or not.
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4 comments:
Hi Steve -- I enjoy your writing! I'm Louie's "mom." He's eleven now and doing fine.
I check in with a few blogs and have noticed that the activity has gone way down as Facebook gears up. I keep Facebook on in the background all day long -- I'm addicted badly!
But welcome back - keep writing.
Thanks Nancy! I'm glad to hear Louie is doing well. Is he still "John's boy"? I'll look for you on Facebook.
Awwwww, man. I inadvertently hurt your blog? I sure didn't mean to do that.
Imagine my surprise when I got on your blog this afternoon to see if you had updated lately. I was thinking, "I haven't looked at Steve's blog for a long time. But I've been keeping up with him on facebook anyway." Ha! And then I began reading......
Didn't mean to slow down your blogging. I like your writing, too.
Now, please send me a private message (on facebook, of course) and let me know who that was that grew up across the street from you in OKC. Do I know her?
Also....please....you can't blame her ignorance and hatred on Christianity. Those two things should not go together. I know sometimes they do, but I don't think it's Christianity's fault.
Okay, keep up the blogging. You are a good and entertaining writer. See you here (and there.)
Steve - Yes, Louie's still "Daddy's boy" and tolerates me. I just found you on FB and put in a friend request. Both of our dogs are on "Dogbook" and have some friends.
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