I think there might be something wrong with me. At least if how everyone else seems to communicate is any indication. I have tried to care about Facebook and Twitter and the other social networking sites, but I just can't seem to work up any real enthusiasm for them. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Yes, it is true that you can find (or be found by) almost anyone from your past (which is a double edged sword if ever there was one, but that is for another post. . .), but I just can't get that excited by what someone else is watching on TV or eating or thinking every minute of the day. I don't mean to offend anyone if they really enjoy logging in and sharing this information, it just isn't my cup of tea.
I have been thinking about social networking a lot these past few days, mainly because my sister was just here for a visit. We haven't seen each other in over 2 years, so it was wonderful to get together and spend some time with each other. My sister is really into Facebook, so much so that she doesn't e-mail anymore and if I want to find out what is going on with her, I have to check her wall. She also is big into text messaging, and I don't text at all. I think I would hear from her much more if I did text, as she seems to communicate almost solely this way. I've noticed it more and more with everyone. I feel a bit like a dinosaur when it comes to technology. I just don't want to be that connected all the time.
I also wonder if this is due more to my illness. I have always been an extremely social person, outgoing and enjoyed being in touch with others. That has definitely changed as my illness has progressed. Since I generally only have about 4 good hours in any given day I am much more careful in how I spend them. Of course I have things I must do, chores, doctor's appointments, errands and the like. You know what I mean, all the stuff we all have in our lives that takes up time but might not be how we would like to spend it if we had a choice. So some days I have to do those things, and I can't do those and be social in the same day anymore. It isn't physically possible for me. Then there are the things I want to do, which of course includes seeing friends. I guess I would rather see someone in person than check in with 100 people on Facebook. To me the one to one contact is so much more rewarding, and since I am limited in how much I can socialize due to health issues, I want more bang for my buck so to speak. I know other chronically ill folks feels the exact opposite, they feel that they can keep up with more relationships by having Facebook or Twitter as a tool for communicating. I get that, I just feel it is more superficial.
In the end, we all have to make the choices that work best for us. I know there are some people who I will not hear from if I don't use these sites, and it makes me sad, but I miss the days of the handwritten letter and the phone call. I will always be a person who values substance over quantity.
What about you? Do you feel that Facebook or Twitter or texting has been a help or a hindrance in staying in touch with friends and family? Do you miss the older methods of communication, or do you think the advances in technology have far surpassed the downsides? Let me know what you think. . .
