Digital life is real, though sometimes annoying.
Frankly, logging into Facebook is one of my daily activities, especially when I'm waiting. I respond to friends' posts, event invitations, and sometimes participate in group meetings. I write status irregularly, message close friends often, and share interesting stuff sometimes. I only respond when I want to, and share when I feel like to.
I'd say Facebook is very addictive. Sometimes it just takes away my time, even if I've reminded myself not to stay on the page for too long. It's so addictive in the way that we're like waiting for messages from our beloved ones. I'm replying to a post, and as soon as I'm done, some new posts (from your best friends, or someone you don't know why you are so interested in following him) pop out. It's providing NEW information round-the-clock. And should I always want to be the first to know about the news, I've got to stay online all the time.
That's why I find digital life sometimes annoying. Having taken the course for almost two months, there are two most important things I've learnt: reflection and adaptation. Writing out about my feelings (that's what you're reading now!) encourages systematic thinking, which makes reflections deeper. And now, I know I must adapt to the fact that digital life might intrude in our personal lives. I'm optimistic with it though, with the help of browser extensions. I can read only posts of specific friends, unfollow anyone by a click, and get rid of the real-time updates (at top right corner) by installing Unannoying Facebook. When Facebook has its layouts changed again to enhance its addictive potentials, I will seek help from these extensions. Things change, and I'd adapt. That's what new media is like. And that's just life.
I'd say Facebook is very addictive. Sometimes it just takes away my time, even if I've reminded myself not to stay on the page for too long. It's so addictive in the way that we're like waiting for messages from our beloved ones. I'm replying to a post, and as soon as I'm done, some new posts (from your best friends, or someone you don't know why you are so interested in following him) pop out. It's providing NEW information round-the-clock. And should I always want to be the first to know about the news, I've got to stay online all the time.
That's why I find digital life sometimes annoying. Having taken the course for almost two months, there are two most important things I've learnt: reflection and adaptation. Writing out about my feelings (that's what you're reading now!) encourages systematic thinking, which makes reflections deeper. And now, I know I must adapt to the fact that digital life might intrude in our personal lives. I'm optimistic with it though, with the help of browser extensions. I can read only posts of specific friends, unfollow anyone by a click, and get rid of the real-time updates (at top right corner) by installing Unannoying Facebook. When Facebook has its layouts changed again to enhance its addictive potentials, I will seek help from these extensions. Things change, and I'd adapt. That's what new media is like. And that's just life.
Thanks for sharing this. Lots of people use digital media in this less active way. We call them 'lurkers' not 'stalkers' because it has a much less perjorative (negative) meaning. I look forward to reading the rest of the post when it is ready!
ReplyDelete@Christoph: Thanks! Finally I've updated my post. Sorry for delaying. :)
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