Social Twat Much?
I've heard a mountain of jokes about how my generation spends more time interacting with their mobile phones then with the people sitting next to them, even friends. But it is still interesting to observe it happen within one's own social circle.
Just the other day, I was at my friend's place for her birthday, and also there were her sister and two friends. Her friends had prepared a surprise for her on her return, decorated and set up the gifts all pretty in her room, and what happened next is what I would like to point out. There was the initial shock and excitement of the surprise being successful, then they spent the next few minutes taking photos of the whole set up to share on a plethora of social media, rather than celebrate this moment first. And it was all four of them, the birthday girl AND the girls who set it up.
Second notable point, after the cake cutting, once we were all sat around the bedding, the next 15 minutes or so were spent watching those four take breaks from tapping and scrolling away on their smart phones to speak the occasional sentence to one another.
Now, this is not the first instance I have experienced, but definitely a worthy occasion to point it out as it makes me laugh at our generation. I too was once that engrossed in my smartphone, its always a good escape from unwanted conversations in social situations. I do often spend time looking for funny videos and news on social media myself, but not when with friends I want to be around and make the effort to meet. I'd rather sit in silence for a bit while one of us brought up a topic of conversation. Now, if there are some readers here who know me personally, would point out I too am quite active on certain social media like Instagram. In my defense, I use it to post new, interesting things, as long as they don't interfere with me enjoying the moment. I don't try to get the perfect photo to capture the moment, I enjoy the moment, and if time allows me, I take a snap of it.
Now, entire segments of the market and economy are relying on increased access to and use of social media for our day to day activities. But, that's not what its all about. If you are with someone special, a friend, family you love or even your dog, give them the attention, not your phone. Don't let your urge to share what you're up to with everyone you know interrupt you, just enjoy the moment.
If you're at birthday party, and want to take a snap of the cake and candles, take ONE well framed snap and then enjoy the moment, not "Wait wait wait! Dont start yet! I need to share this on my snapchat! And my Insta! And my pinterest!" 5 minutes later, the candles are melted halfway down, the moment seems stale, and then you go, "Ok, now lets enjoy this moment". You know what, I'll just watch the videos and pics of how great the celebrations were on your facebook page from the comfort of sitting in my underpants, in bed, at my home. Thanks for the invite to the live webcast of your celebrations by yourself being watched by your 200 'friends'! I'd rather meet the person for five minutes, wish them, hug them and go on my way. It would hold more meaning than hours of interrupted moments, just to share with those who couldn't be there.
Maybe that's just me, so if I ever invite you to a social gathering, at my place or if organized by me, first rule, leave your phones on the desk next to the shoe rack. And if you bring a tablet for anything besides sharing pics, music or movies, or its new cool features, you'll no longer receive invites and be kindly requested to fuck off.
Thanks for reading. As always, feel free to share and comment.
Just the other day, I was at my friend's place for her birthday, and also there were her sister and two friends. Her friends had prepared a surprise for her on her return, decorated and set up the gifts all pretty in her room, and what happened next is what I would like to point out. There was the initial shock and excitement of the surprise being successful, then they spent the next few minutes taking photos of the whole set up to share on a plethora of social media, rather than celebrate this moment first. And it was all four of them, the birthday girl AND the girls who set it up.
Second notable point, after the cake cutting, once we were all sat around the bedding, the next 15 minutes or so were spent watching those four take breaks from tapping and scrolling away on their smart phones to speak the occasional sentence to one another.
Now, this is not the first instance I have experienced, but definitely a worthy occasion to point it out as it makes me laugh at our generation. I too was once that engrossed in my smartphone, its always a good escape from unwanted conversations in social situations. I do often spend time looking for funny videos and news on social media myself, but not when with friends I want to be around and make the effort to meet. I'd rather sit in silence for a bit while one of us brought up a topic of conversation. Now, if there are some readers here who know me personally, would point out I too am quite active on certain social media like Instagram. In my defense, I use it to post new, interesting things, as long as they don't interfere with me enjoying the moment. I don't try to get the perfect photo to capture the moment, I enjoy the moment, and if time allows me, I take a snap of it.
Now, entire segments of the market and economy are relying on increased access to and use of social media for our day to day activities. But, that's not what its all about. If you are with someone special, a friend, family you love or even your dog, give them the attention, not your phone. Don't let your urge to share what you're up to with everyone you know interrupt you, just enjoy the moment.
If you're at birthday party, and want to take a snap of the cake and candles, take ONE well framed snap and then enjoy the moment, not "Wait wait wait! Dont start yet! I need to share this on my snapchat! And my Insta! And my pinterest!" 5 minutes later, the candles are melted halfway down, the moment seems stale, and then you go, "Ok, now lets enjoy this moment". You know what, I'll just watch the videos and pics of how great the celebrations were on your facebook page from the comfort of sitting in my underpants, in bed, at my home. Thanks for the invite to the live webcast of your celebrations by yourself being watched by your 200 'friends'! I'd rather meet the person for five minutes, wish them, hug them and go on my way. It would hold more meaning than hours of interrupted moments, just to share with those who couldn't be there.
Maybe that's just me, so if I ever invite you to a social gathering, at my place or if organized by me, first rule, leave your phones on the desk next to the shoe rack. And if you bring a tablet for anything besides sharing pics, music or movies, or its new cool features, you'll no longer receive invites and be kindly requested to fuck off.
Thanks for reading. As always, feel free to share and comment.
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