With the creation of Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and other famous internet social internet sites, there is less social interaction between people our own age. Social networking sites are designed to keep us continually checking in, which detracts us from studying and being social. The spread of technology in general has had a negative effect on my everyday face to face interactions. I remember when I used to go to the mall or movie theater with friends just to hang out. But now hanging out means sharing comments on one-another’s wall or fb chatting. I can’t even remember the last time I went shopping at a mall because it is extremely convenient to just order clothes online. I wouldn’t consider myself an anti-social person but sometimes it is easier to collect your thoughts before sharing them with someone and sometimes facebook is the best way to do that. The same applies for going to the movies; there are so many movies online (legally and illegally) that going to the movies is really a waste of money. In general people today don’t get together in coffee shops and reminisce of the good ol’ days. Instead you share all of those personal conversations on facebook for the world to see.
Every time I see one of those cheesy eharmony commercials, I tell myself that I will never in my life use one to meet a girl. A teacher of mine from 6th grade who I have kept in contact with is in a serious relationship now and met his fiancée through a dating website. Obviously I heckled him a bit for it and he told me that he used to do the same to other couples who met online, but that it actually did work for him. It is almost becoming common to meet people through those sites. If being with a statistically compatible mate is what you’re looking for then I think dating sites are right for you. Since I do not know exactly what I am looking for in a mate, I would like to meet people the old fashioned way. At least for now.
There is a difference between people who already have friends and only try to connect with them through social networking sites and people who are looking for friends or mates online and need to communicate with them online. If we are in close proximity to our friends and only talk to them through Facebook then we are definitely neglecting our everyday relationships for “virtual relationships.” If our friends are estranged or living far from where we live, then we are still embracing our friendship with those people. Social networking is a perfectly acceptable place for people to discuss political and social interests, because they can be shared and distributed to anyone worldwide.
I kind of disagree with the beginning of what you said. I feel like Facebook and other social networking sites help keep us in contact with others, not detracts us from being social. However I agree with you when you said that it has had a negative effect on your everyday face to face interactions. Instead of meeting up with a friend to catch up we can just Facebook IM. I also thought your story about your teacher was interesting. I definitely also agree with if we are in close proximity with someone yet we chose to talk to them via online its sad.
ReplyDeleteI think that the part about online dating was really interesting because I have also heard so many times "oh they met online and they're getting married". I suppose it's our modern version of a blind date. I liked how you described it as being "statistically" compatible, that's a really funny/creative way of thinking about it. I suppose it's true and really is putting a "science" mentality to dating.
ReplyDeleteI don't entirely agree that it's hindered the social outings I have with my friends, but that's on a personal level. It's interesting how some people have really refocused their attention to getting all their things through a more convenient online outlet, but I think there's value in maintaining those "outside" activities.
I feel like you're hinting at the notion that the internet makes us lazy in a way, and I definitely agree with that. I mean, I seriously can online shop for hours these days. Instead of going to a mall, me and my friends meet up at someone's house to online shop together. Sounds super lame, but I guess that's what the internet is doing to our society. I'd much rather facebook someone than call them (if it's not an emergency) because impersonal interactions don't make me feel as uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteAs for dating online.. something tells me that in a couple of years all people are going to be saying is "oh yeah, me and my husband met through facebook". Similar to you, I'd rather meet my significant other the old fashioned way but I'm coming more into terms with the fact that online dating isn't all that cheesy as it sounds.