Social Media & Me
I recently received exciting news from a friend, via a message on WhatsApp. I replied directly, congratulating him. I later learned that the same news had been shared via Facebook. Of course, here many others posted their messages of congratulations. Along with the inevitable "Like" thumbs up.
I don't disagree with the sentiment, but I do wonder how impersonal it is. Surely it would take just a few seconds extra to send a personal, private, message to say "well done", or "great news".
It's a small gesture, but I believe today we are so wrapped up in social media, to the extent that our lives are broadcast in the moment.
Please, don't get me wrong.
I have been guilty in the past of posting photos of days out, birthday messages etc. I still post on Mastodon; but if it's to someone in particular, then I send a Direct Message to them, and them alone. Or, I send them a text message. Maybe even an email.
Social media is terrific for sharing; but it gets quite impersonal. Monotonous even.
The same people, day in, day out; posting photos of their days out, dogs, cats, achievements, children's achievements...
I totally understand that it's exciting to tell everyone some good news; but what happened to the personal touch. The days when the "bush telegraph" took over and the news spread via telephone - I think it was called gossip. Now; it's instant...out there, in your face...
I'm happy with my life outside the mainstream social media, just dipping my toe in every now and then.
And if I send you a personal message, directly, it's because I value you as an individual.