Facebook is dangerous. I believe there are three categories of Facebook dangers:
1 – Being Exploited
2 – Being Stupid
3 – Being Cruel
All three could easily be solved by deleting your account. But then how would you learn about your high school friend that you haven’t seen in 15 years’ new haircut? Or the cute thing your friend’s dog just did? Or what someone had for dinner? Just think of how much you would be missing….scary! (I admit I am guilty of all of the previous)
1 – Being Exploited
This is a real danger, especially to the younger FB users. Sharing too much information and “friending” people that you’ve never met is clearly a danger. I didn’t get a phone in my room until college, and now 10 year-olds (and younger) have computers with internet access in their bedrooms, and don’t all teenagers have smart phones now? What the heck are parents thinking? I can understand a cell phone for your child, but I’m thinking one of those “Jitterbugs” with the huge buttons (marketed for the elderly) is the way to go when my boys are teenagers. I can hear you saying to yourself “just wait, Mary, and see….”
2 – Being Stupid
I’m not talking about the misspelled word, or the incorrect use of the word “your”. I am talking about posting things that are personal and damaging to your significant other (or soon to be ex-significant other). I have heard more than once “FB ruined my relationship”. But I disagree…the two of you ruined your relationship and FB was your medium. People used to break-up in person, or in letters, or over the phone, and unless you were on TV, had your letter published, or had a party-line no one else was witness. But now there is FB, where you can trash the once “love or your life” in front of all your friends, family, and strangers. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Problems in your relationship should only be heard by your girl-friends, or better yet….your significant other!
D knows that among my FB friends are ex-boyfriends. D also has a tremendous amount of trust and self-esteem. I know that among his FB friends are ex-girl friends and I also have a tremendous amount of trust and self-esteem. If either you or your significant other has a deficit in either of those…you have no business “friending” an old crush.
3 – Being Cruel
This is the most dangerous. I have read far too many posts that are disrespectful and even hateful. Even among some of my closest friends I read things that make me ashamed. Obesity, religion, physical handicaps, mental handicaps, unique haircuts…… Really?! Is this how you want to present yourself to your friends and family?
As a rule, I only make fun of myself (I’ve got a lot of material) and I only say things that I would also say to Mister Rogers. I am disappointed that it has become okay to be stupid and cruel in a public forum. I am also disappointed that I used the word “friending” more than once in writing this post.
2 comments:
Nice rant, and I agree. It's funny cuz right before my 15th class reunion tons of old classmates were friending me on FB. But we didn't talk in high school, why did they want to talk to me now? They didn't. And after a couple months I did housecleaning. I like FB to keep up with my friends and family I actually DO talk to.
Nice rant and I totally agree with you! It's amazing how stupid some people can be. Besides, it's a lot more fun (and easy) to make fun of ourselves.
The problem is a lot of people forget to put in their filter (the one from their brain to their mouth) when they get up each morning. This is especially bad for those who feel they have something to prove and/or thrive on drama. People need a place to vent and talk out their thoughts. M has this and for the times she has not as fine a filter installed she vents to/at me. I do the same with her. M is my safe place too vent. She listens and agrees or tells me I am stupid (lovingly)before I engage the world. FB is not that safe place to first air your filterless thoughts.
Post a Comment