Is Social Networking a Curse?

When I think about social networking, most of me goes, "Ugh. Ridiculous." Funny how I can say this, and use social networking daily. I'm such a hypocrite. ;)

Part of me wonders, how did we survive "back in the day?" I remember being a child and only having a home phone. My parents could never get ahold of me when I was out and about around the neighborhood. That is completely unheard of now as most children have cell phones. Sometimes, I think our world would be better off without any social networking.

I already go without Facebook, which has been a blessing to me. Though I may not be "up to date" on some people's lives, or not get invited to certain events, I've learned to live with it. Facebook ended up being too much drama. I was learning things about people and I didn't even know them or care to know what they were up to. "Oh my god, boys suck!" Barf. I don't care that you're having problems with your boyfriend, and nobody needs to know that.

I use Twitter, but I don't tweet. I follow comedians and bands I like for a quick laugh or reminder when my favorite band is coming to Minnesota.

As for phones, I am guilty of having mine on me constantly. I hate it, but I feel lost when I don't have it. To think I used to live without a cell phone is crazy to me. I'm guilty of texting, which I cannot stand and am trying to use less. Most people will not even pick up a phone call anymore; they just text back. I find that frustrating that people can so easily hide behind their phones. I'm very happy for cell phones in the fact that I can get ahold of my friends pretty easily. I treasure hanging out with my friends, and the fact that I can make one short phone call and meet up with someone is pretty neat to me. I'd say I'm happy for e-mails, too. It's a nice way to get ahold of professors. It's also nice to get updates on when bills are paid electronically -- kind of like a receipt.

Social networking is at such a high right now, if it were taken away people would go insane. I'm for social networking because it keeps people connected, but I think that people need to ease up on their reliance on it. Including me. Guilty!