Although Facebook provides connectivity with people, we live in a world of greater depression, loneliness, and even chemical dependency. You would think this would not be the case, but virtually all the people using the social networking device/service are talking to themselves, hearing no tonality and seeing no body language from their responders. But, I suppose this does provide a “safe” environment for those individuals who find it difficult to genuinely relate to others except behind a sort of mask or shield. Comedians, or actors, often dwell in the same category. Some might describe this as a way to be something you’re not, the opposite of the adage and advice given to children in their struggles to achieve social acceptability, “just be yourself.” Of course positive attributes exist as well. For example, military service folks have opportunities to communicate with their families from around the world.
Really Replaceable?
Since Facebook is probably here to stay, the fact remains that it must not replace face-to-face interaction. Think of it, a couple meets on a website and maybe even becomes Facebook “friends,” but they eventually want to spend time with one another, experiencing each other’s spontaneity and just how those little quirks define their personalities. After all it is a bit difficult to go to a favorite hangout while on Facebook; “let’s leave Facebook in the house, dear!” Would you, parents, really want to know your children are succeeding in academia without playing well with others?
Why?
To be honest, the reason people need interaction with other people is because it is in that image we assumed our form. I know it’s an old song, but appropriate here: “People Who Need People…are the luckiest people in the world.” Centenarians usually do not live so long because they are hermits affixed to Facebook, contrarily because they consider others greater than themselves.
Anything Wrong?
Qualities of human nature still tend to show even if Facebook is the mode of communication. In fact, the abrupt shutting down of Facebook time with a “friend” communicates the possibility of something being amiss in the relationship…or a bit of manipulation between the parties. Further attributes include jealousy, greed, and uncaring. Many times these are incorrect perceptions which clear through personal interaction.
Nothing New
Therefore, it seems to me that, as the poem and song communicate, “No Man is an Island.” And it is via these I will close this editorial on the need for face-to-face interaction in the modern world, despite the opportunities Facebook may provide. Included below are the lyrics to the song demonstrating the need for personal interaction which has apparently been around for a while, i.e., since John Donne penned the phrase in the 1600s.
No Man is an Island
No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man’s joy is joy to me
Each man’s grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother
Each man as my friendNo man is an island far out in the blue
We all look to One above
Who our strength doth renew
When I help my brother
Then I know that I plant the seeds
Of friends that will never dieI saw the people gather
I heard the music start
The song that they were singing
Is ringing in my heartNo man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man’s joy is joy to me
Each man’s grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother
Each man as my friend
This and many other educational articles helping educate people on the importance of communication skills have been prepared for you by Travis Lee, thanks to SEOMap.