Like millions of other fanatics around the world, I have wasted countless hours on Facebook. I created a Fluff critter so I could feed it, pet it, and race it; I’ve had the pleasure of catching up with old acquaintances from high school; I came out to one of my brothers; I’ve taken numerous quizzes on movies, songs, and the 80s, not to mention movies and songs from the 80s; and most importantly, I’ve been able to cyber stalk every single one of the people who’ve given me access to their profiles. Insert psycho music here.
Here’s a mostly harmless aggravation for you: I’m tired of people using Facebook to settle scores with their partners or exes. If you’re between the ages of 11 to 18, while it’s not ok to exact revenge on the person you supposedly love or loved, I can understand why you do it. Most teenagers rarely have the emotional maturity to stop themselves from being petty and vengeful. That’s what happens when you’re being ruled by a rollercoaster of hormones. However, anyone older should know better…or at least be able to exhibit some self-control…and yes…even while PMSing.
Lately I’ve seen a disturbing trend among lesbians on Facebook who are updating their relationship status to being single; it’s complicated; or no longer in a relationship. What’s even more disconcerting is that in the space of a few hours, their status will change again. While I’m a big supporter of freedom of speech, I find it sad that they are expressing themselves so publicly when they might not have taken the time to communicate their thoughts privately with their partners. If you’re announcing to two hundred of your Facebook friends that your relationship is complicated, maybe you should talk to your girlfriend first and work on making it uncomplicated…or as uncomplicated as a lesbian relationship can be.
We all get EMO at times. Lord knows for me it’s practically a perpetual state. However, before I post anything I might regret on Facebook, and especially on Attic Tales, I think about what the consequences of my actions might be and what my intent is behind my words.
- Am I going to hurt anyone?
- Am I doing this because I’m hurt?
- Is this a cry for attention, compassion, and help?
- Will I need to call my lawyer?
I love Facebook because it provides a little glimpse into people’s lives, hearts, and heads. People divulge things about themselves in a way that makes me realize we’re all emotionally fragile and just a little fucked up. Still, I think it would be a lot healthier for everyone, if instead of baring our souls in front of hundreds of people we barely talk to or see on a regular basis, we take the risk and allow ourselves to be emotionally vulnerable in our close relationships. This way I can cyber stalk you without feeling compelled to tell the whole world how I feel about you.
Here’s my trick, (instructions with the ‘new’ facebook that is)
from your main page and under the tab ‘News Feed,’ scroll down to the very bottom where you should see the Holy Grail of Facebook, the way too well hidden blue link ‘Options for News Feed.’
Upon clicking that wonder (possibly one of the 7 Internet Great Wonders) you can not only stop hearing from any so-called friend but also adjust what kind of News you’ll get!
In my case, I put ‘Relationships’ to none and ‘Events’ to the top because that’s what I like best about fbook
Hope that helps!
Take care,