Dearest Facebook,
Do I miss thee? I think not. My variety of communicative practices I somehow forgot. Our contract of friendship gave you power and meaning. But now it is your face I’m weaning and screening. Where is my address book? Where is my bike? Where is that board game I used to like? How does it feel to look someone in the eye? Oh my dear Facebook, you make me sigh. I lost so much when I befriended you. Your importance I have truly misconstrued. So Facebook, we’ve broken up and I’m on my own. You have millions of companions and I’m all alone. They say it takes time to become content, but remember that facebook message to you that I sent? It was made up of words that became so routine. Somehow my life now relies on a screen. So now that you’re gone, I have discovered authentic interaction. If we ever meet again, you will be no distraction.
Yours truly (except not really),
Me
After six years full of “poking,” “liking,” and “friending,” I have returned to the land of handwritten letters, phone calls, and long neglected beloved habits. I had become one of those who spent an average of three hours on Facebook every day. I’d grab a bite to eat, check Facebook, sit in class, check Facebook, turn on the TV, check Facebook, do homework while checking Facebook (as opposed to checking Facebook while doing homework), brush my teeth, check Facebook, and so on. I know for a fact I am not alone in this routine. Facebook has become a vivid feature in human activity. By participating in the Facebook circle I automatically gave a dominating power and significant meaning to the social network, as have millions of others in society.
This social network is evolving into a solitary outlet of communication. Basically, 400 million users are relying on a single entity, and that entity is controlling the ways communication develops. For example, the creators of Facebook decide to invent the “status update.” Suddenly everyone is communicating through a short phrase involving whereabouts, thoughts, desires, etc. Instead of individually talking to a friend about what is going on, we post it on Facebook for all 500+ friends to see. Words on a screen do not always communicate what an individual actually means. Depending on Facebook for communication means depending on the mastermind behind it, which may be incredibly dangerous in many situations. Facebook sure seems like a digital form of hegemony to me.
If you consider the growing younger audience of Facebook, an immediate issue surfaces. I created my Facebook account at the age of 16. At that point I knew how to write a thank you card, I was the queen of memorizing friends’ phone numbers, and I loved being outdoors. Facebook is a new home to children as young as 8 years old today. I lost touch with many of my talents and habits when I became addicted to Facebook, but at least I had been able to identify them. Younger generations today are starting to view the world strictly through the lenses of Facebook. There will be no more handwritten thanks you cards, but thank you messages. In a few years children will be saying, “why use handwritten letters, email, text messaging, or instant messaging when you can just use Facebook?” Facebook has so much control over the evolution of society with a particular focus on communication. The symbols of Facebook are becoming embedded and embodied in society.
Social norms derive from the culture in which we live and Facebook is a colossal part of today’s culture. Therefore Facebook has a dramatic affect on the development and evolution of social norms. Upon my break up with Facebook a strong part of me felt lost because the heart of my social communication suddenly disappeared. When I felt something missing from my life, I found relief on a screen, just as millions of others have done. I sent a handwritten letter to my best friend from high school last week and in turn received a genuine phone call. What a perfect way to kiss Facebook goodbye.
