CURRENT FACEBOOK: Reem El-Khatib
sums up her day (so far) thusly: biological-heart shaped calf muscles; plant bite; "heeeeeloooowww" in a deep voice; stranger head nod and wave x 2; megaxe; Rita's Frozen Custard Pretzel Blendini.
CURRENT TWITTER: Callmepali included Paul van Dyk, Kelly Clarkson, Jane's Addiction, George Wassouf, & Shakira in her song list 4 the cardio-kickboxing class--sababa.
The demand by Facebook and Twitter to keep my "friends" and "followers" updated on what I am doing has taken over much of my thought process--so much so, that I find myself thinking in "status." I also find that whenever I hear or think something remotely clever, I have an urge to log on and update.
Why?
Because I need to share, so you can enjoy it and tell me so--and stroke my ego?
But I am not vane--am I?
Well, why else would callmepali want people to care about what she is doing or thinking--and more so--want them to feel that her status is interesting enough to respond?
It seems to be a subconscious cry for attention and acceptance. It's my opportunity to step into a make-shift spotlight for as many minutes, hours, or days as I'd like, without being overtly self-absorbed or causing a ruckus in a public place. It's my chance to showcase my wit, humor, charm, wisdom, and knowledge without coming off as a snob--and for you to confirm that I am witty, humorous, charming, wise, and knowledgeable. After all, I'm telling you these things because you are a "friend" or a "fan" and you signed up to know, and to read all about it.
It is also a 140-character listening and therapy session--with you as my listeners and therapists: I hint at my sadness and depression so that you can tell me it'll be OK, and to chin-up, and you can say "salamtik." I temporarily can suck your attention toward my "problems" via my status vacuum for as long as I want you to pay attention. And I can make you pity me without coming off as pitiful.
My statuses will not be likely to affect your life in any major way--but you'll likely continue to read them. And I will read yours. And we'll continue the cycle of "I'll stroke your ego, if you stroke mine." And it'll be OK and acceptable because that is what we've all signed up for.
NEW FACEBOOK: Reem El-Khatib
does not think you truly care what she is thinking right now--nor should you.
But don't you? Please respond.
Good post Reem. And I do care what you're doing! I often wonder about these status updates myself. Sometimes it's fun but you're right in that it gets a bit ridiculous. Some post for the stroking. I like hearing about what friends are up to but I get tired of the constant, "cooked this for breakfast" kind of junk. I wonder what the future will hold for our social networking status communications...
ReplyDelete