facebook. for me, it’s like pringles and those little powdered doughnuts from gas stations. they really hit the spot at the time but leave me feeling a bit queasy afterward. not that i think facebook is entirely without merit. i enjoy keeping caught up with friends i wouldn’t otherwise see. it’s a great source for funny youtube videos. through years of being at home with the kids, it has made me feel less lonely, after a long day seeing that i have been “liked.”
but lately, i have noticed facebook becoming more of an outlet for people’s political and social views. nothing wrong with that but it can leave one in a bit of an awkward position. unless someone is posting something along the lines of “i like kittens”, there are bound to be those who are going to disagree. is facebook only for back patting and preaching to the choir? is there any place for real discussion between “friends?” i’m not talking about the revoltingly immature, over-the-top responses you see. just real and honest debate. if you believe in something enough to “share” it with the world, then shouldn’t you a) assume that there are others, well-informed, thinking others, who might see it differently and b) be willing to defend your position without name calling hysteria?
i can’t say i have ever had a discussion on facebook from which i walked away from thinking “wow! that was a valuable and insightful exchange. hope we can do that again sometime.” i have had knock-down, drag out arguments with guests in my home about topics ranging from which version of pride and prejudice is better (firth/ehle hands out) to the role of grace in dora the explorer. these discussions left me feeling like i had gained true insights, into the person i was talking with if not the issue itself.
somehow facebook discussions feels like butting into a conversation you weren’t really a part of, like i am eavesdropping in line at the grocery store and then begin arguing with total strangers. only these aren’t supposed to be strangers, are they?
i feel like this when friends give non-controversial updates as well. like i am cheating, keeping up with friends who i am too lazy to call or email. “saw you got a haircut thursday. looks good!” “saw your mom has cancer. praying for her.” “saw you got a divorce. when did that happen?!?”
this doesn’t feel like relationship. it’s like signing up for voluntary cyber-stalking. i do the same in reverse. post a few pictures of our latest goings on and then don’t worry about keeping people updated on what is happening with me and mine.
sure we are busy. but i for one can confess to having spent many a precious hour getting my information second hand when i could have been having coffee with at least one of the people i was on facebook finding out about. maybe i need to be logging out of facebook and logging in to friendship. what do ya think? would love to hear y’all’s thoughts on this (just make sure they are all nice and in total agreement with mine 😉
Ah, Crab Apples! 