Facebook Mania
What's the greatest invention of the 20th century, the coolest thing to be a part of these days? Facebook, of course. Facebook mania came to head a few months ago with the release of Social Media, a movie about, Facebook's founder, Mark Zukkerberg, the world’s youngest billionaire and Time magazine’s person of the year.
I have to admit Facebook has its charms, giving me a window into the lives of my far-flung extended family. I’ve enjoyed the photos and stories of their children and grandchildren and reading about their achievements and the funny or exasperating things they’ve done. It’s easy enough to click ‘like’ or write a brief comment to let them know I’m interested. Facebook also makes it easy to vicariously participate in singular events like births and express heart-felt concerns in times of illness or death. And I have to admit I enjoyed all those birthday wishes from my Facebook ‘friends.’
Like most human inventions, social networking can be used for good or ill.
It can enhance already existing relationships and create a sense of community that otherwise might be missing. I’ve rejoiced with those who have renewed neglected friendships via Facebook. I’ve heard stories of Facebook connections leading to the rekindling of an old flame, followed by late life marriages of childhood sweethearts.
It’s not always a happy ending though. It may merely open old wounds and sometimes it results in crossing the line into an affair that crushes a marriage.
And surely we’ve all heard the stories of the tragic consequences of using social networking sites as a means of unmerciful bullying.
The insidious thing about networking sites in general is the ability to create the life you wish you had. On Facebook this usually comes down to sharing only good news. Your marriage may be falling apart and your kids driving you crazy, but you can paint a picture of contentment that is the envy of all, accompanied by photos of the same.
A recent post from one of my Facebook friends read, “I wish I had a deliriously happy life like all these people on Facebook.” Among the comments, “The posts represent happy moments. No one’s life is like that all the time.” I couldn’t agree more. Facebook is yet another opportunity to keep our happy masks firmly in place.
And then there are the things that are interesting to us but no one else really wants to know. “I’m going to lunch now…Time to pick up the kids…”
Therein lies the dividing line between those who post endlessly – of course everyone of my ‘friends’ wants to know what I’m doing or thinking today – and those who rarely or never write a post – why would anyone be interested in what I’m doing? As is usually the case, a healthy attitude lies somewhere between those two extremes.
If you Facebook, don’t forget your posts will live forever in cyberspace, and despite privacy settings those who want to know will find a way. Ever hear those stories about jobs lost due to unwise posts or potential employers passing you by after browsing your partying photos?
We would all do well to remember the advice of the biblical King Solomon, reported to be the wisest man of all time, “A truly wise person uses few words.” And this from the apostle Paul, known for fiery rhetoric, “Be pleasant…when you speak… Choose your words…”