Articles like this one mention the negative effects of the site and even go as far as explaining conspiracy theories; "Zuckerberg wants to control your life and get rich off your information", they say.. so what?!?
There are also articles such as this one that talk about how our family and "real" friends are neglected because of our ongoing cell phone addiction...and so on and so forth.. I could list hundreds and hundreds of articles and blogs that talk about the same thing...
So, while I don't mean to diminish the opinion of those who believe FB to be "evil", I beg to differ and would like to expose my opinion on the subject...
To me, FB is NOT evil and never could be because thanks to this wonderful social media site, I get to enjoy day to day pictures of some of my closest friends who happen to live hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of miles away. I have forged some of the most valuable friendships with the help of FB and have reconnected with long lost friends who would have remained lost had it not been for FB.
Besides friendships and staying in touch, I have witnessed wonderful fund raisers, charity events, common interest groups and other amazing things happen because of FB. FB even helps me stay in touch with my local friends who I couldn't possibly see or call every day even if I tried.
And I enjoy it... very much... I love all the pregnancy announcements, engagement stories, wedding pictures, children's milestones, birthday pictures and everything else that I get to savor when I'm on FB. I've seen many people who use the argument of spending time with "real life" friends instead of cyber ones... so are FB friends not real? Do these people in other towns not count? I think they DO! I have been lucky (VERY lucky) to meet amazing friends online and because of the closeness that FB has enabled, I have gone as far as meeting many of these people in person only to make those friendships stronger and better. Thanks to FB I am able to love on them even while we're away and still be part of their lives even if it's just by "liking" what they post. Let's not kid ourselves, even if we wanted to, how can you call or text these people every day?.. it's virtually impossible...
FB allows for a condensed and interactive way to remain in each other's lives and be part of those cherished moments that are shared through photos and comments on a day to day basis.
FB isn't narcissistic, it isn't about seeking approval or collecting friends.. it is about sharing our lives with people we care about... it is about reciprocating the love that sometimes is only possible through the internet... I know what I am and who I am, I don't NEED people to like or comment on my photos or post, but I like it because it makes me part of this wonderful world where people are interested about one another...
If your life is being consumed by FB and whatever "addiction" comes with it, FB isn't the problem, YOU ARE! Life is about moderation and social media is a part of our life that we have control of, just like we have control of drinking, eating and so many other things....
Do I have a life outside of FB? Absolutely I do...but I can't deny that FB is also part of my life, and I'm ok with that as well...
With that said, I will NOT be leaving FB and I will NOT stop sharing my life with my friends because some people think FB is evil...
I will not stop blogging about my thoughts or opinions because others see it as a narcissistic act... if you don't like FB, leave...if you don't like blogs, don't read!
Happy Blogging! ;)
1 comment:
Yaaahhh!!! I feel the same way. I live in such a remote community that FB allows me to feel included in the lives of friends and family that are so far away. I appreciate it for how small it makes the world feel.
:)
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