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This article represents a much-needed big-picture view of how social networks have affected how we live. It seems like those with smartphones in their pockets,
by markbao 14y ago
This article represents a much-needed big-picture view of how social networks have affected how we live. It seems like those with smartphones in their pockets, and social networks with connections, have the always-on ability to make an impression on others—and they are expected to. That manifests itself as a nagging feeling to always share and make an impression.
I'm backpacking through Europe right now as well, and not having cellular service and being more disconnected allows me to live with the intention to live. Whereas before, living in NYC and constantly being connected always allowed me to ask questions like: Should I check in here? Should I Instagram this? Am I expected to be active on social networks, lest I be forgotten?
- paraschopra 14y agoIf you are in backpacking through Europe, you may want to reconsider checking Hacker News and commenting on an article about getting a little disconnected :)
- markbao 14y agoI still like keeping up once in a while. It gives me fodder to think about while being disconnected :)
- adrianbg 14y agoI don't understand how people feel so helpless at the hands of Facebook and their friends. I've been a satisfied Facebook user for years without ever checking it more than a couple of times a week or uploading a single photo. When some notification or news feed annoys me, I turn it off. Incredibly, I manage to do this without writing a dramatic blog post about how social networking has cheapened social interaction forever.