Facebook Disease

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of users of online social networking sites. What are the reasons for such an increase? In addition to using such websites as a method of socialization, people also use them to express either their true personalities or, in many cases, idealized versions of themselves.

I believe that the most unique element of online networking websites is the ability to “take a break” from reality, allowing individuals to hide themselves behind their computer monitors and exhibit idealized versions of themselves. Having used Facebook for the last two years, I have noticed people using increasingly cheesy language toward each other in their commenting and wall-writing habits, pretending to be excessively friendly with each other. Such a tendency is scarcely seen in “real-life” society. In many situations, individuals hide their tense relationships with polite, friendly behavior on Facebook.

When updating profile pictures, individuals often use the opportunity to show off. People often use Photoshop to improve their appearances in pictures, perhaps by clearing acne, adding a tan to their skin tone or whitening their smiles! Is superficiality the true meaning of social networking?

I do not oppose the idea of idealizing one’s public image, as it actually helps individuals to construct their personalities. However, I believe that these online habits further encourage people to live dualistic lives. Such a phenomenon could potentially inhibit the healthy growth of society. Can you think of the many differences between our real-life relationships and those with our Facebook friends? Do we really have over 100 friends in real life with whom to share our feelings, experiences and emotions?

By being aware of the disadvantages of online networking, we could further enjoy more its benefits. As an American writer once said, “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.”