Behind the Times

Confession: I'm not on Facebook and don't ever plan to be. We had a focus group of students who came to my company to review collateral and give feedback and one whole session focused on social media. Not only was it the liveliest of the focus groups, but one of the most bizarre in my opinion. Most of the students agreed Facebook was best used for "stalking" people. No lie, that's the term they used. I don't want to be stalked. They also agreed it was a huge time waster. I don't like wasting time. They went into great detail about the different applications and games they played. They also mentioned it was very addicting. No thanks, I already have a problem with my love of shoes, I shouldn't pick up another obsession. My intention here is not to offend, just to explain myself. I spend the majority of my waking time on a computer, why would I spend my leisure time on it too? Just not my cup of tea.

While visiting family over the summer I was severely chastised by my sisters for not being on Facebook. One visibly flinched when I told her I didn't have time to waste "harvesting" crops on Farm Town. Both of them have found long-lost friends through Facebook. This may sound snooty, but those who want to be in contact with me already ARE. They both reminded me even my parents are on Facebook; indicating if even the Boomers are into it, I shouldn't be rebelling against it as a Gen Xer. Somehow I just can't do it. I already have a fear of internet peeping toms who are granting themselves access to the private corners of my life. And yes, I know you can make your profile private. Why make a profile at all then?

Recently on the news a police officer talked about how sites like Facebook are their geatest friends. They've found parole breakers and people blogging about the laws they've broken... even people violating restraining orders. One guy told me when he's hiring he checks out all prospective employees on Facebook. One of them had photos of himslf with a huge bag of weed. He didn't get the job. I've been told there's one person at my company who regularly updates her Facebook during work hours with messages like, "Only four more hours until I'm out of here!" That just seems unprofessional to me. Facebook isn't for me I guess. Call me Greta Garbo... I just want to be left alone. Don't even get me started on Twitter. Do you really care if I've just taken a dump and am wondering if eating Indian and Greek food in one day is a good idea? Didn't think so.

Nevertheless, I was blown away by this clip about social media and wanted to share... Even if I'm not on Facebook, I still want to do my part you know :)



If you can't see the whole screen, link here