Out of Control

Our modern age has given us so many new tools to manage ourselves. iPhones, laptops, PCs, traffic navigators, you name it. In effect, these gadgets offer us a semblance of control. And feeling in control is necessary for our mental health.

And yet we really aren’t in control as much as we think we are. That is why Facebook is so intoxicating. Updating your status, checking in with others, posting feelings, thoughts and memories provide us with pseudo-connection with others. But we don’t really hear their voices, feel their feelings or see their faces as they express these things. In addition, Facebook is another way of controlling our image. I like to call it Fakebook because in reality, who is going to admit that they just did something less than reputable, yet perhaps very human?

As connected and controlled as our lives appear, it is a virtual world we create when we use these social media platforms. Our real lives on the ground are the ones we need to nurture the most because there is no substitute for a physical hug when you need it.  It takes a moment of thought. It takes a human touch. And it takes time.

Everything else is a neatly controlled world, a cartoon version of ourselves.

I’m for being real. Are you?

 

6 Comments

  1. swambold

    September 28, 2012 at 5:32 am

    I am not 100% honest on FB, but I will expose my warts to a greater degree than you seem to believe possible. I do not like to brag; it gags me out. So, I am a bit counter FB, a bit in your face FB. Some of what I read on FB has the quality of exhibitionism and also gags me out. And yet, I enjoy FB. I prefer Daily Challenge because it is goal-oriented and populated with amazing encouragers.

    1. powerofslow

      powerofslow

      September 28, 2012 at 5:58 am

      I think there is also a tendency to overshare on such platforms. Privacy seems to be less concerning for people, but I value mine.

  2. Willow Drinkwater

    September 28, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    For me, Facebook keeps me in touch with those I love. It celebrates, encourages, soothes you when you have suffered a loss and keeps you honest, because if you have true friends, they will sense when you are off kilter and call you on it, because the most important thing is to be true to yourself. At least that’s what my Mom said to me. Those are my best friends — the ones who keep me honest.

    1. powerofslow

      powerofslow

      September 28, 2012 at 2:23 pm

      It is admirable how you use Facebook. Thanks for sharing!

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