(We Know Memes)

Thanks to a snafu with the order of my textbooks, I have not received them yet; however, I was inspired to post this evening after a trip to the gym.

I have a few gym-rat friends on Facebook. You know the type: posting every day about how jacked they got lifting weights, hashtagging (on Facebook for absolutely no reason) stuff like “#dontquit”, “#getfit”, etc, and the worst – posting mirror pics of their ripped abs or bulging biceps. I’m always tempted to post a photo of my unfit bod with the caption: “Lazed on the couch for four hours tonight after work #nevermissaday #getfat.”

So, tonight after my Zumba class (#holycrap #outofshape), I got in my car and grabbed my phone to check for any notifications. Immediately, I thought, “Oh man, I should totally check-in on Facebook. But wait, then I’ll just be one of my friends who checks in to the gym every day so everyone knows they were there…” and I did it anyway, satirically, of course, and strictly for the sake of science.

I swear you are able to check in ANYWHERE. When I went to London in December, I could check in at a street corner. “Nina is at Starbucks! – Praed Street, London, W2” Awesome. Creeper deluxe.

Anymore, unless I’m checking up on some distant friends, conversing with physically distant friends, or posting photos, Facebook drives me nuts. A quote from the movie Easy A (2010) comes to mind:

“Mr. Griffith: I don’t know what your generation’s fascination is with documenting your every thought… but I can assure you, they’re not all diamonds. “Roman is having an OK day, and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof.” Who gives a rat’s ass?
Olive Penderghast: [Mocks interest] He got a Coke Zero AGAIN. Ah, that Roman. Incorrigible.” (IMDb)

We all know those people, too. Documenting every move made, every thought thunk. I’ve found myself unsubscribing from folks’ posts because I’m just tired of reading that you biked another 10 miles today, or that you’re happy it’s Friday (we all are). I am bashing this with full understanding and acceptance that I used to be one of those posters. I thought everything I said was hilarious and required sharing. Now I just say it to someone and get the gratification of hearing the LOL, not just reading it.

But what IS this generation’s fixation on posting to Facebook? Or Twitter? And it’s not just this generation. I just pray that my grandma never signs up for any of that. That’ll be another unsubscription.

Before Facebook, we had to call, text, or email people to let them know what was up, or find out what was up. Now we’ve got unlimited access to everyone at all times, and we’re on information overload with everyone’s current whereabouts. It honestly gives me a reason to not call people. I don’t need to – you’ve kept me thoroughly updated via Facebook and it shows up right on my newsfeed when I log on. Thanks, friends.

Of course, there are awesome things about Facebook – being able to connect with people you might not have seen or talked to in years, being able to connect to people anywhere in the world, raising awareness, among many other benefits; unfortunately, it has become a bit of a worldwide obsession that affect us in ways we might not know – it can cost someone his/her job, be an outlet for cyber-bullying, or even lead to stolen identities (CNBC – The Facebook Obsession).

And I won’t be sharing this blog post on Facebook.

CNBC. (2013). The Facebook Obsession. Acc. Jan 16, 2013. http://www.cnbc.com/id/39618344/The_Facebook_Obsession

IMDb. (2013). Easy A (2010) – Memorable quotes. Acc. Jan 16, 2013. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1282140/quotes%5D

We Know Memes. (2012). Most People Don’t Realize This, But… July 3, 2012. Acc. Jan 16, 2013. http://weknowmemes.com/2012/07/most-people-dont-realize-this-but/