I remember dating in the days before cell phones, texting and Facebook. I know it sounds absolutely prehistoric but believe it or not it wasn't that long ago. Where you could go all day without being in communication with your significant other, well, because you had no choice. And let me tell you, men prefer those days. How much is too much information? A story if I may, we were having a family dinner and my brother was complaining about his current love interest. I would say girlfriend but she didn't last long enough. Apparently she was fond of sending the occasional random text just updating the poor guy on her day. He miserably provided examples and I tsked tsked my way through them, shaking my head. Some women. I turn to see the Romanian staring at me in amazement. "what?" I ask. "you do that," he replies. Me? What? Excuse me? I then pull out my phone and go through my sent texts eager to dispute. To my horror, I am guilty, I cannot meet the disappointed eyeballs of my brother. I hang my head in shame. My sister cackles. Since then I have tried to curb my random texting but sometimes my phone gets the better of me. To be fair to the Romanian, he replies, mostly with one word answers, but he replies.
Now Facebook, how much disclosure is necessary? Everything is now available to you, from the moment they signed on to their most recent status update. Every picture, every comment, every "like" is there for your viewing (stalking) pleasure. Now ladies, and some men, please keep in mind ALL activity before your introduction into your SO's life cannot be used as ammunition for arguments. Also, please keep in mind that they had a life before you and knew people before you and will most likely maintain those relationships.
Now, in my opinion Facebook takes the mystery out of relationships. What is left to talk about at the end of the day? If anything exciting happened it's already been put out there via your status, so they already know. Also, keep your drama off your wall. I am very particular with NOT posting every time the Romanian and I have a disagreement and I hate those passive aggressive status updates, saying but not really saying what a asshole you're dating. Sigh.
So, be careful how much you share, how often you share and what you share. Also, be careful how much you creep, how often you creep and what you creep. Moderation.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Facebook depression?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics "Facebook depression" is defined as depression that develops when preteens and teens spend a great deal of time on social media sites, such as Facebook, and then begin to exhibit classic symptoms of depression.
Apparently social media is the primary way tweens and teens interact socially. Sigh. THIS new finding depressed me. Iron Fist will be a tween in a couple years and if things are this bad now I shudder to think how it will be then. I mean Facebook depression? Is there no moderation anymore? These kids are being exposed to cyber bullying, sexting, inappropriate content, predators and God knows what else. Where are the parents? Who is monitoring all of this? It angers me when technology is blamed, no the parents are to blame. If you see your child sitting in front of the computer for hours assume something is not right. Please. A 10 year cannot have that much homework. Take an interest. Do not allow the computer to babysit your child.
On a similar note, children are being given more than they are possibly ready for, and yes by the parents. For example, I was taking a leisurely stroll in the park with the Romanian, enjoying the afternoon. These two little girls around Iron Fists age go skipping by, I smile benignly upon them thinking "how sweet, so nice to see kids out and about playing and such" By the way, I am aware that I am portraying myself as a granny but I don't care, I like leisurely strolls and I enjoy smiling benignly upon random cute kids. Sue me, I'm 33 goddammit. Anyway, I digress. Said cute, skipping kid stops abruptly in front of us and whips out her, yes HER, cell phone and barks into it, "where have you been you stupid prick I've been calling you all day!!" Apparently her boyfriend was remiss in returning her phone calls on time. The Romanian and I are speechless. A brief argument and her and her friend resume skipping, all the way to the swings where they return to being children.
Now why, for the love of Bob, does this child need a cell phone? Did she go to the provider, request a plan and sign the contract? Is she paying the monthly bills? By giving her this phone her parents are inadvertently robbing her of her childhood. People just because we have a lot at our availability does not mean we have to utilize. Moderation.
Iron Fist is not getting a cell phone, she can use two tin cans and a string.
Apparently social media is the primary way tweens and teens interact socially. Sigh. THIS new finding depressed me. Iron Fist will be a tween in a couple years and if things are this bad now I shudder to think how it will be then. I mean Facebook depression? Is there no moderation anymore? These kids are being exposed to cyber bullying, sexting, inappropriate content, predators and God knows what else. Where are the parents? Who is monitoring all of this? It angers me when technology is blamed, no the parents are to blame. If you see your child sitting in front of the computer for hours assume something is not right. Please. A 10 year cannot have that much homework. Take an interest. Do not allow the computer to babysit your child.
On a similar note, children are being given more than they are possibly ready for, and yes by the parents. For example, I was taking a leisurely stroll in the park with the Romanian, enjoying the afternoon. These two little girls around Iron Fists age go skipping by, I smile benignly upon them thinking "how sweet, so nice to see kids out and about playing and such" By the way, I am aware that I am portraying myself as a granny but I don't care, I like leisurely strolls and I enjoy smiling benignly upon random cute kids. Sue me, I'm 33 goddammit. Anyway, I digress. Said cute, skipping kid stops abruptly in front of us and whips out her, yes HER, cell phone and barks into it, "where have you been you stupid prick I've been calling you all day!!" Apparently her boyfriend was remiss in returning her phone calls on time. The Romanian and I are speechless. A brief argument and her and her friend resume skipping, all the way to the swings where they return to being children.
Now why, for the love of Bob, does this child need a cell phone? Did she go to the provider, request a plan and sign the contract? Is she paying the monthly bills? By giving her this phone her parents are inadvertently robbing her of her childhood. People just because we have a lot at our availability does not mean we have to utilize. Moderation.
Iron Fist is not getting a cell phone, she can use two tin cans and a string.
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