Fear Factor- Social Networking

For people like me who go through withdraw when they aren't next to their Blackberry, the idea that someone is afraid of social networking puzzles me. When you sign up for things like Facebook or Twitter, you can certainly limit the number of friends or followers you have. So I remain puzzled about what is so scary?

Maybe there are a couple of things going on here. First maybe folks are just afraid of the technology. Let's face it, typing on those little keyboards on phones is not for everyone. Even sitting down to use a computer on a regular basis might be scary. Who knows who could be snooping through your computer while you are online? (slight nod here to conspiracy junkies who think home computers get hacked while you are online) A second factor in all of this is that getting involved in social networking can be like opening a fire hose. There is such a flood of information that it can be hard to turn it back off.

But really, if you don't like computers or those fancy phones, then don't buy them. Don't go "online". Rather stay in your little caves or your shells and don't stick your neck out. However, don't be surprised if you get lost in the virtual dust of the rest of the world moving forward.

A Week Away

So I was radio-silent last week during my staycation. OK, so I didn't completely unplug. I still carried and used my Blackberry and logged onto my laptop occasionally to check email. But what was different for me was that I NEVER checked my work email or work phone. I decided that it was all going to be there when I got back, so no need to deal with any of it.

In this age where I practically have my Blackberry implanted on my hip, I think it is getting harder and harder to unplug. Even the most deliberate attempts to put down the electronic devices are met with frosty messages from people trying to get in touch with me. I am always amazed at the number of folks who talk on the phone while they drive despite the fact that it is against the law in California. I am also amazed at the number of people on their phones in grocery stores, at sporting events, and so on.

What I am getting at, is that I think we have lost the ability to turn off the world and be on vacation or staycation. How often during the week do we really turn everything off and just let ourselves be? Take the dog for a walk, go play with someone, even read a book! I think this is something I need to cultivate more going forward. All work and no play makes me uninteresting and not very happy.