JOIN USI was appalled, when my husband created an account for me on Facebook. I silently wondered whether he was losing his mind. The only ‘profile’ I knew of was the one I saw in my mirror. What would I do on this social networking site? I insisted that Facebook was for young ones and that probably, we would be the oldest couple on it. He proved me wrong.
I was surprised to observe that this social network revolution has not only got the attention of the young but also of the septuagenarians, octogenarians, centenarians and the supercentenarians. Want to know some interesting information? If I’m not mistaken, some of the oldest people on Facebook are Besse Cooper, 115 years old, Lily Strugnell, 107 years old and Anne Krum who is 105 years old.
We have come a long way from messengers on horseback and homing pigeons. Now snail mail is only for occasions. The world and its events are just a click away. Facebook is an undeniable trend that has caught up with everyone, including me. It is a place where acquaintances add you as their friend and yet, pass you on the street without so much as a “hello.”
How did I get hooked onto it? I really don’t know the answer to that question, but slowly, it has taken over my life. Recently, my mobile went on the blink. I just didn’t know what to do. I was paralysed without it. I couldn’t email, surf the internet, chat or check my Facebook account. I had to get a good phone.
Gingerbread, Cupcake, Honeycomb, Eclairs, Froyo, Ice-cream sandwich and Donuts? No, I am not deviating to the topic of food; these are just operating systems for good phones. I had to get one of these. How else would I keep abreast with the internet world?
Facebook keeps me busy. I have to keep up with friends who post links or notes and share videos. In turn, I have to search for interesting topics and do the same. I surf the internet for articles and videos to share and upload snaps to show some social activity.
Whew! That’s a lot of time spent on trying to be popular. But then again, at least I can be busy when I grow old and not dwell on loneliness, for, I will still be connected with family and friends.
Unfortunately or fortunately, my mobile has become an extension of my self. Could it be an obsession? Not long ago, I remember chiding my daughter and son for spending too much of time on this site. I now have them on my list of ‘friends’. Now, though they are many miles away from me, I feel closer to them than I really am. I get to know of their changing likes and dislikes and keep up with their adventures. We also share many common friends. What about the Mama-don’t-preach part of it? Well, I told myself that I should watch out as I would either have to eat my words or take a hiatus from this site.
I thought only youngsters were addicted to their mobiles and these networking sites. Today, even though I hate to admit it, I check my mail and Facebook account every hour and also, just before I sleep. How did I get along before this? I heard a friend say, “Facebook is the only place where it is acceptable to talk to a wall. Now, I do that all the time.”
Sometimes, husbands do make the right decision. At least, in this case, I have to give him the ‘like’ sign.