In trying to solve the problem of how to generate more interest in my writing throughout the universe in general, I kept getting the same advice: You must do Social Media! You must stomp around the Internet leaving a big footprint. You must connect, post, tweet, youtube, digg, podcast, ping, tumblr, flickr, and link your way to POPULARITY!
Is it me, or is the pervasiveness of Social Media getting out of hand? How linked up are we supposed to be? Do the more connections we have online make us better, smarter, kinder, happier, more successful, more fulfilled, etc.?
Unlike Queen Elizabeth, I don’t do FaceBook. The first time I saw it I laughed. It reminded me of a high school yearbook. Major barf factor! All those little squares with peoples’ faces in it is like trying to get as many kids to sign your annual as possible. Which you do so you can feel more accepted (and thus better about yourself) because you have so have many “friends.”
I outgrew high school before I graduated. Over the years I’ve also outgrown having in my life faux friends, fair-weather friends, frenemies, and long-time friends who never evolved.
I’ve also outgrown the need to be popular. And I sure as heck don’t need any followers. I’m not Jesus. I don’t want disciples.
What’s up with all the ‘following’ on social media sites? The concept is kinda creepy to me. Since when is following others a good thing? Can’t you just do your own thing without approval by a wall of squares? Do all those squares equate to worth? The more followers/”friends,” the more reliable/truthful/valuable the content?
Why do people want a ton of followers you can’t possibly have the time to follow? Or a ton of “friends” you can’t possibly be real friends with?
As far as embracing the Social Media phenomena, my contribution is my blog. No “friends.” No popularity contests.
I do have a Twitter account—as a way to promote what I’ve written on my blogsite. I like the concept of a tweet—short and sweet. Plus you can contact someone direct or flag a subject in case it is of interest to anyone. I wish it didn’t have the “followers” section. Again. seems like inauthentic popularity that is supposed to be a measurement of worth.
At this point in my life, I’m getting to the end of my socialness. I’m at the “take it or leave it” (as in me) stage. If people can handle that, great. I just want to be me—let the chips fall where they may.
No affirmation, confirmation, or justification needed.
And no FaceBook. I’d rather have a dog. Now there’s a real friend!
