Do you remember the good ol’ days when people used to pick up the phone and actually TALK to each other? The days when we actually had to put in effort to see what’s going on in each other’s lives? Now it’s replaced with a “PING” on bbm, an sms text message, email, or “following” someone on Twitter. It’s ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong, I do believe there is a lot of convenience when it comes to using social media outlets, but I believe it has become a lazy way for us to interact with once another for the most part.
I remember when an ex would have to actually make that uncomfortable call in hopes that you won’t hang up on them once you hear their voice. Now, it’s all about playing safe and sending a random text message “Hi, it’s been a long time. How are you?” Like…Really?! Are we going to have this conversation on text message? Some ex’s even “poke” you as a sorry attempt to get your attention. It’s just a cop-out and a lame way to keep in touch with somebody without having to put in much effort. I heard a girl at work talking about how she can’t get a hold of her boyfriend because she didn’t save his number in her blackberry. She relied on bbm in order to get a hold of him. **smh**
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve been to a restaurant and seen two people sitting in front of each other but both of them are constantly going through their phones. Yes, I’m sure that in many cases it’s the mother who is checking in with her nanny about the children. Maybe it’s the husband responding to his wife that he’ll pick up milk on his way home. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a friend’s status change or when they are responding to idle bbm banter when they could be having a real conversation with someone who’s sitting face to face in front of them.
Another thing that I find super frustrating is that idiot friend who hits you up saying “what’s up?”. Simply that. Um…am I supposed to entertain you with what’s going on in my life or start a convo back based on that message? LAZY!
What is so awful about reaching out to someone and making concrete plans? “Let’s go do lunch?” or “Let’s go grab a coffee?”…too much work?? I mean, why bother to do all that when you can just look on their Facebook page and get an assumed idea as to how their doing based on updated pictures and statuses, right? For those who work in Public Relations, Communications, Event Planning, etc…I can see where it’s nifty. Careers where constant social interaction is mandatory.
But regular people just seem to be way too comfortable hitting each other up like they are clients.
Your friend is upset you send them a bbm hug. It’s the birth of someone’s child you send them a huge smiley face. Someone says they are tired…you send them an animated coffee icon. We are missing the important exchanges with people on a daily basis. I can’t deny that I too have been guilty of having serious conversations through text message…but after many attempts of it feeling that the conversations were misconstrued, I have taken the initiation in calling someone when an important conversation should take precedent over the phone or in person. Yes, it can be awkward. Yes, it can be inconvenient. But if the relationships in your life aren’t worth that effort…than it’s simply time to “end chat” and “delete contact”.
39 Comments, Comment or Ping
lincolnanthonyblades
Ladies & Gentlemen, Do You Think Social Media Has Made Us More Socially Interactive Or More Socially Awkward?
Do You Think It's Helped Or Hindered Dating Especially?
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
I think social networking/dating sites have hindered the dating process significantly. Today everyone is looking for that next great date and lack the ability to focus on who they have. Technology has made it so easy for us to approach the opposite sex without the fear of rejection. Take away the fear of rejection, add in the ability to connect with 100’s of potential mates in one evening from the comfort of your own home, and you have create an environment where it is to easy to seek the pleasure of that grass that is perceived as always being greener. It is tough to focus on what we have in a partner when we know a few mouse clicks away could lead to the fabled Mrs/Ms. Perfect. Add in the element of the Ex, or the girl/boy you had a crush on in high school sending you friends request. Previously when we moved on in life most of the baggage got left behind, but now that baggage seems to show up on our facebook friends request page or in our inbox daily. Having these people in your life for some presents as a tasty side order when the main course is not hitting the taste bugs as it once did. So we have the ability to find a potential mate with a few mouse clicks and we have a hoard of “friends” lined up waiting for your status to say single so they can pounce… social medias has definitely hindered dating (exclusively)…
Jan 13th, 2012
ChloeRayne516
Yuupppp!!!!
Jan 13th, 2012
Concrete_Rose
(squeals) I whole-heartedly agree with you on this.
I love the way this woman puts it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO_37ZFKUmM&fe...
I am very old fashioned at heart , so I have a low tolerance for people getting to know me through texting or online etc. I will agree that it has it's advantages. And sometimes it's helpful to keep acquaintances at a distance. However people confuse what's real and not wayyyyy too much. And I 100% agree people are losing basic communication skills. And I hate conversations that center too long on virtual stuff. I will not be entertained talking about something that happened on Facebook for Twenty minutes
Jan 13th, 2012
Susan Jordan
@ Concrete_Rose: I love the spoken word video
@ Jason: I agree completely. Why work on the present relationship you have with someone when you got easy access to your ex who's been flirting it up with you on bbm? It's just getting ridiculous. *bbm love-struck smiley face* lol
Jan 13th, 2012
msjordan11
Here's some advice on ways that you can message someone and lead to having a future conversation or even date:
http://www.howaboutwe.com/date-report/2246-5-grea...
Jan 13th, 2012
NurseJilly
Standing ovation Jason!!! Very well said:)
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
I don't know about you but taking away the fear of rejection ain't something i'm gon complain about
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
Um excuse me miss Rose…where can a brotha see the rest of that pic??
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
Your picture just got right clicked and saved…gawddamn!
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
Dude I am not complaining either, not a complaint on my part…. But it just makes it tougher when chick would be telling me “you need to change this and that”… im like wait till I log on to POF and I’m gonna change you! lol
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
+1
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
+1 again
Jan 13th, 2012
Janet
jealous. very pretty!
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
Cousin of mine always talking bout some facebook drama, i excuse the conversation fairly quickly so I feel you on that one.
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
don't be, your pretty anyway……
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
My nigga! I'm feelin you on dat!
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
Tell me he aint grown??
Jan 13th, 2012
ATLienSince82
Got pics???
Jan 13th, 2012
Janet
No, I'm not. That's why I didn't put up my picture #insecure
Jan 13th, 2012
Janet
I look like a female version of Shaq (minus the ding-dong)
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
It's a she, and yes she grown, 29 I believe…
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
whoa, not good…. but I will still be your friend
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
I don't think I talk to any ex's… Im not talking bout the chick I just fell over for a second but we never got to a relationship. I'm talking bout those chicks that no my fears and goals, no need to keep them around as they just complicate things….
Jan 13th, 2012
Janet
Sorry my husband wouldn't approve of a new male friend.
Thanks anyway
Jan 13th, 2012
James Malone
How does a dude holler? fb?google+? twitter?
Are you from one of these cities? http://www.howaboutwe.com/date-report/1686-the-10... #truequestion
Jan 13th, 2012
Manny
+1
Jan 13th, 2012
Manny
I will show you my smiley
Jan 13th, 2012
Derrick
Real Question: How do we maximize the avis?
The pictures look a little small #ihavebadeyes
Jan 13th, 2012
Derrick
How can I get a full size of that picture?
Jan 13th, 2012
Jason
Naw not that type of friend, geeeesh… but if your married you cannot be that bad.
Jan 13th, 2012
NurseJilly
LMAO.. Did you seriously post a link to the 10 sluttiest cities??
Jan 13th, 2012
Derrick
Never mind. Just clicked on your name and read your blog. You are beautiful inside and out.
Jan 14th, 2012
M@dhatter
re: #ihavebadeyes
That's what happens when you're "shooting the bishop" to the picture lol
Jan 14th, 2012
Michelle
I disagree. If they know so much about you then you probably shouldn't be in your current relationship. If theyre complicating things then you have to find out why. It's not them it's you. #followyourheart
Take it from someone whose been married for 4 yrs
Jan 14th, 2012
Jason
Opinion respected, but… if I was in a long term relationship with them of course they would know these things about me. In regards to complications… well I am trying to move on and eventually build with someone else. I don't need to be laying up watching a movie with next and the ex is calling me down because she had a hard day at work and needs to talk.
Jan 14th, 2012
Derrick
at least I know I ain't the only one
*leaves discussion to have a "shower"*
Jan 14th, 2012
Derrick
I just made a mess on myself
Jan 15th, 2012
Reggie
+2
Jan 31st, 2012
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