Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Humanity the lost art


I spend a fair amount of time on Twitter. Perhaps too much. I have found myself taking others comments personally and feeling hurt.

Have we as a generation lost the art of socialization? No one talks any more: We text, tweet, or email, but how often do we actually pick up the phone? I have a friend who hadn't made a phone call in a year. They made all their plans via text. I find that perplexing.

There is nothing like sitting with your friends and having discussion face to face, in more than 140 characters.

I think my real problem with the internet is that people don't have to be responsible. They can say whatever they like because there is no “real contact” with the other person. I have watched countless people flame each other for the smallest and silliest of issues. Someone commits a small faux pas on twitter and they are slammed. It's not right.

Were did our tolerance go? Did it leave with our social skills? Our friendships are forged on the few things we say to each other. Something happens and then you are the latest flame victim. In “real” life wouldn't you talk to the offender, try to figure it out? I think that's what we adults should be expected to do. Alas no, I think we “live” for those kinds of flamings. It's no good . . . and ruining our humanity.

As a result of this kind of behavior I find myself spending less and less time on the internet, which I think is a good thing.

What do you think?

9 comments:

  1. Good post!
    I think you're right.
    For me, understanding how hard it is to read tone in a full size letter, let alone in a 140 character tweet, the old adage of think before you speak is more important than ever.

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    1. thanks for stopping by...see reply to Amanda below..

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  2. That is one of the reasons I got rid of both Twitter and Google+. Unfortunately, as much as I love chatting, I do go through periods of phone phobia.
    But, I still write letters and send cards in the mail!

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  3. Such a great post! I feel the exact same way! I really do think that if people had to address one another face to face, they wouldn't be tempted to say hurtful or insensitive things. The internet has turned people into nameless, faceless handles. It's easy to say whatever mean spirited thing that pops into your head to someone who's name is nothing more than a few letters, numbers, and random characters accompanied by a cartoon avatar. I like talking in person. I enjoy face to face time with my friends. Sites like Twitter and Facebook are nice in that they allow you to connect with people you might not have had the fortune of connecting with otherwise. But at the same time, we need to focus on being kind to one another. Bring back the nice, people!!

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    1. Amanda and Sara thank you for your comments..I really do believe that human interaction is important.. Otherwise you just become some ranty bitch. I have seen twitter turn someone I considered a grounded smart person into a monster. It's sad really..I see people say things they would never ever say to someones face. Cowards love Twitter and Facebook.. sad that.

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  4. It's like the golden rule evaporated once instant, indirect access was born. Or maybe the golden rule just needs to go digital: Do unto others as you would have done unto your face.

    Actually, that sounds kind of dirty, but that's the gist of it.

    It's also easy to virtually flash mob (emphasis on the mob) someone for a real crime, a mistake, a gaff, or a bad day. The punishment, methinks, does not fit the crime.

    Thanks for the post, Synde. I try to be considerate or respectful, but from time to time I'm guilty of reacting in a way I never would in person. Maybe we'll all be a little bit nicer online tomorrow. :)

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  5. for reals... i will just eat some chocolate and cry in my beer..lol

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