I read an article a while back about how the use of social media has made us, well, less social. Instead of making us more connected, it has caused us to be more isolated. I wish I could remember the source, but I cannot right now. But no matter, the observation has stayed with me.
As we move into an era where the President of the United States may be communicating directly with us and the world via Twitter, 164 characters at a time, it does give one pause. Just the idea of tweeting out policy rather than the old fashioned way in the Oval Office before a throng of reporters and pundants is rather disturbing. "No questions please, I'll let you know Tuesday or Wednesday." lt will take some getting used to.
I am not sure I am ready for tweets and posts to be the main mode of communication I guess. Don't get me wrong. I am a Facebook junkie. I am constantly checking in to see what's going on the world and with my friends on Facebook. I personally like to keep it light, post funny memes or places I'm visiting or even foods that I think are tasty or prepared myself. Since Ching and Miguelito aren't great conversationalists, I find it comforting, even affirming, to post to my wall and get "likes" and "comments" or even "emojis."
I have considered a more disciplined approach to Facebook. You know, scheduling one or two times a day when I "check-in". This might require deleting the app from my smart phone as I am constantly checking to see what's new. Perhaps I need to unplug more. And yet, I don't think it interferes with my activities of daily living. I still get things done and socialize when I feel the need.
Yet why to I feel the pangs of withdrawal if I leave my phone home or the battery dies? And what if the new President tweets something that requires us seeking immediate shelter? I don't know. I guess I'll "carry on and stay calm." Social media seems to be here to stay. Social or not, we have entered a brave new world and we must adapt or be left behind.
As we move into an era where the President of the United States may be communicating directly with us and the world via Twitter, 164 characters at a time, it does give one pause. Just the idea of tweeting out policy rather than the old fashioned way in the Oval Office before a throng of reporters and pundants is rather disturbing. "No questions please, I'll let you know Tuesday or Wednesday." lt will take some getting used to.
I am not sure I am ready for tweets and posts to be the main mode of communication I guess. Don't get me wrong. I am a Facebook junkie. I am constantly checking in to see what's going on the world and with my friends on Facebook. I personally like to keep it light, post funny memes or places I'm visiting or even foods that I think are tasty or prepared myself. Since Ching and Miguelito aren't great conversationalists, I find it comforting, even affirming, to post to my wall and get "likes" and "comments" or even "emojis."
I have considered a more disciplined approach to Facebook. You know, scheduling one or two times a day when I "check-in". This might require deleting the app from my smart phone as I am constantly checking to see what's new. Perhaps I need to unplug more. And yet, I don't think it interferes with my activities of daily living. I still get things done and socialize when I feel the need.
Yet why to I feel the pangs of withdrawal if I leave my phone home or the battery dies? And what if the new President tweets something that requires us seeking immediate shelter? I don't know. I guess I'll "carry on and stay calm." Social media seems to be here to stay. Social or not, we have entered a brave new world and we must adapt or be left behind.
