As I hope it is apparent by now, I am fascinated by the human condition. It amazes me what people do, think and instigate.
Being someone who stays pretty calm most of the time, but is also greatly affected by the energy of others, I am often in an observatory mode when around other people or forced to interact, whether electronically or face-to-face, with others.
For the most part, I love technology. I love the Whatsapp for what it allows me to do – communicate without speaking on the phone. π
However, it can also become a burden. As I am on a few groups it is an interesting phenomenon to observe what happens to people when someone asks a question in a rather frantic way. First, there are always those who will immediately respond with their opinions which can either fuel the fire or simmer it down. Then, there are those who later in the day get their messages and then respond again usually refueling the fire even if it was starting to dissipate. And then, there is me….I read it, determine if it requires my response – as in, will my response actually answer the question or is it an opinion that can be kept to myself – and then I either ignore or send a message.
In most cases, I have to mute my groups because it becomes a dialog of either a**-kissing or negativity. If, by some chance, there is actually an intellectual dialog, I again ignore it because I would rather have these discussions in person.
For the most part, I do not really see the need to express opinions for the sake of it electronically. I believe the advancement of technology in mobile devices was meant to make lives more efficient and productive, not as an outlet for verbal diarrhea – that’s what blogs are for, right? π
Mostly, it is an interesting study on humans. What motivates us to feel the need to express ourselves at all times whether verbally or electronically? What is it about social media that has taught us to only show the world the good parts of our lives OR to whine to feel as if we are loved and supported? When did we stop (or did we really ever) listening with our ears, hearts and other sensory organs to others rather than waiting for the next breath so we can interrupt and say our own opinions? And, how has technology allowed us to continue this?
So, whenever there is a sense of panic – especially on devices – it seems to become unnecessarily contagious. Instead, the answer should perhaps be to simply breathe and let it be.
~T π
