Thursday, January 7, 2010
Why I loathe Facebook...
I am on a rant. Be warned. You may hate ME by the end of this. Why is it o.k. to trash someone's deeply held political beliefs just because you have a feeling of anonymity on social networking websites? When did it become acceptable, in polite company, to openly mock someone and their beliefs? I wouldn't do that with someone's religious beliefs! Why do we tolerate this? I think these social networking sites have made our society less responsible and more crass. I wish people spent more time trying to understand each other and less time trying to make a sarcastic quip that alienates their neighbor. I am all too happy to embrace sarcasm...but on certain topics it is off limits if you want to be respectful. I see that people allow aggression and mean spirited defensiveness on the roads and now it has become main stream on Facebook, etc... I like my society polite and respectful. I don't like these extreme one-liners people throw out to "get" somebody. It is rude. I guess what makes me sad and frustrated is that some people that I like in person are the ones that choose to act this way online. I am confused by their duplicitous nature. I don't like it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
13 comments:
I agree with the feeling of anonymity being part of it.
I also think there's a huge emphasis in society in general on "taking care of yourself" or "being true to yourself" (or whatever you want to call it) that makes people so selfish that they don't stop to think about how their actions/words affect others. Respect and manners are becoming a thing of the past. And I don't like it.
I agree... I think its so much easier for people just to throw comments out there and say things that they would probably NEVER say to someone's face.
I hope that these "friends" of yours did not intentionally make a "dig" at your beliefs or views... I'm sure if they knew, they would be ashamed --- it wasn't me was it??? =)
Thanks for the listening ear, girls. No, Jami, it most definitely wasn't you. In fact, it wasn't even directed at me specifically. It just catches me off guard when someone says things without thinking. You are right Char. It is the fact that people would never say most of the things to someone in person. I find it so uncivilized and distasteful.
It was me wasn't it Wendy????
I really agree.... I have heard that if you are looking for a job, the new employer (some) would like to look at your facebook wall to see what is said. Very interesting.... You are always a women off deep thought. You are AMAZING!!!!!! Miss you
Oh, Wendy. I love you. You are so insightful. No one could ever hate you! When is the next girls' night out?
Max's party looked so much fun. Love the cake! Do you have to plan ahead to have a party there, or can you just show up? I want to go there for Phenix's birthday Saturday, just our family. Do I need to call?
Funny, before I read your post I was consumed with my recent realization of the lack of respect people have for one another. I don't know if it is actually getting worse or if I am just noticing it more and more in my advanced age. Good for you for taking a stand and saying something.
Amen sista! EXACTLY the reason I got off facebook and deleted my blog. I didn't have time for the drama! I do however love looking at yours and others' blogs every now and then to see your cute families!
Why do people act in such crude ways? Respect and manners are lost b/c they aren't taught and practiced, IMO.
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation at Beth's. We don't agree on everything in politics but I loved finding common ground on many issues. I don't think people realize that everyone who is good and decent want the same thing: a better world to live in.
I don't like Facebook for an entirely different reason...those sites take too much time out of my already busy day! How did we ever survive before the internet.
Wendy,
I've have seen this happen many times to good people. Somehow individuals have an easier time trashing someone through cyberspace but too chicken to do it face to face. While I believe networking is positive in many ways, I find it quite debilitating to the human experience of comunication. Texting have overtaken the phone call and facebook have overtaken the personal email. I prefer personal emails. Facebook irrtates me. I have never been a victim, but have seen enough to know it's dangers. I would like to delete FB many times but don't because i think I might miss something important. Funny thing is that I don't use it and check it out once every month or two. I'm sorry you have become a target for inconsiderate comments. May they find remorse and apologize.
love you
Its frustrating when we see the way others act and only think of the quick jab or silly thrill at another's expense. But just remember all the positive things that facebook has done. We found each other on facebook and have been able to keep in touch with each others lives and you came and visited me. None of that would have happened without facebook. I'm sorry you're feeling blue :( but I just wanted to remind you of the positive :) Love you! (((hugs)))
Now the Utah thing I can't help you with (haha)
As a writer of internet safety curriculum, we try to warn against this kind of online "courage". Cyberbullies usually are people who are technically advanced, shy in real life, less socially aware people who find strength to hurt people in the "anonymity" online.
But Wendy, most people aren't like that on facebook! It allows less anonymity than most places. Besides, you get to choose your friends right off the bat. I have been pleasantly surprised by most of my friends there and how kind and supportive they are with one another. I would think of this person's unguarded comments as windows into his/her soul, take note, and...come back to facebook. I love what you write. I will miss you if you aren't there.
All good comments. Thanks to my friends I'm talked off the ledge and will stay on FB. Although, I just need to stop reading those things that even appear like agitation bait! You guys are great, I love you all!
Post a Comment