I come from a long line of observers. People who like to "People Watch." Don't pretend you've never done it, we all do it. We do it in every country; in restaurants, at fairs, while we are setting in doctors offices or even when we are at a stoplight. Whether we have time for a long look or a peek, we are all inherently people watchers. We study the way a person looks, their clothes, how they walk, or talk or laugh. And now people watching comes in new and improved forms.
Now we can people watch in the privacy of our own homes with even more details, more clarity.
Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have opened a whole new way to stare at our friends, neighbors and acquaintances without being rude. We know better, Mom told us to never stare. But we just can't help it. Inquiring minds want to know!
On the new social networks it's OK to stare. We can flit around like a social butterfly and never make eye contact. I have touched base with lost friends, 3rd cousins and friends of friends that I wonder, "Now how do I know them?" I can keep up with birthdays that I might have missed, see who went where over the weekend and even take a mini vacation by looking at my neighbors trip to the Bahamas...all in my pj's from my computer chair. I find out about causes and trends, movements and everyday activities. I can go from blah to inspired just by reading a few posts. The world just keeps getting bigger but we still crave each others friendship. Sharing our lives is more complicated than ever, yet it can now be done with a few clicks on our computers. Not the same as setting down for a good visit, but it will have to do.
I come from a long line of observers. People who like to "People Watch." Don't pretend you've never done it, we all do it. We do it in every country; in restaurants, at fairs, while we are setting in doctors offices or even when we are at a stoplight. Whether we have time for a long look or a peek, we are all inherently people watchers. We study the way a person looks, their clothes, how they walk, or talk or laugh. And now people watching comes in new and improved forms.
Now we can people watch in the privacy of our own homes with even more details, more clarity.
Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have opened a whole new way to stare at our friends, neighbors and acquaintances without being rude. We know better, Mom told us to never stare. But we just can't help it. Inquiring minds want to know!
On the new social networks it's OK to stare. We can flit around like a social butterfly and never make eye contact. I have touched base with lost friends, 3rd cousins and friends of friends that I wonder, "Now how do I know them?" I can keep up with birthdays that I might have missed, see who went where over the weekend and even take a mini vacation by looking at my neighbors trip to the Bahamas...all in my pj's from my computer chair. I find out about causes and trends, movements and everyday activities. I can go from blah to inspired just by reading a few posts. The world just keeps getting bigger but we still crave each others friendship. Sharing our lives is more complicated than ever, yet it can now be done with a few clicks on our computers. Not the same as setting down for a good visit, but it will have to do.
How true! I have found long lost friends through social networking. But you're right, not as good as sitting face-to-face but a close second.
ReplyDeleteI love it too! My husband thinks its crazy, but then he isn't as social as I am! I also love being able to see inside different people's homes. It is fun to see the neat decorating ideas people have!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lorilee