Web logs. Facebook statuses. Twitter updates. Text messages. In today's world of super-connectivity and constant 'status' updates, it's easy to use these online forums as a platform for our opinions. This is both good and bad. Facebook, MySpace and other sites give us a means to influence our peers. But does this really do any good? Will this blog even penetrate the ingrained mindsets of its readers? Do these avenues of communication really make a difference?
Most of us are very hyper-connected, so much so that we barely have time to fully read a blog or lengthy email, much less let its words soak into our conscious. We are a very busy society. If anything has a chance to grab our attention, it has to be quick and catchy. So why do we spend so much of our time and energy notifying the world of our every thought and activity? Probably because it's a fun way to share community in this digital era.
If our opinions really matter, what's the best outlet for them? Is it Facebook? Writing a blog? A post on a Web site? We need to think beyond the boundaries of the Internet. Over half of human communication is nonverbal—and most of us know that actions speak louder than words.
In my free-time, I spend more than my fair share writing thoughts and opinions online. It's a great way to share my views. Yet it's also led me to this point, where I'm questioning the validity of those efforts. If we have something to say, and if it's truly important, then let's say it. Blogging is great, but don't let it be a substitute for action. If we have the time to write our Web logs and Facebook notes, then we should have the time to write a letter to our senators.
This all may sound as if I'm wary of technology and its influence in our lives. Not so. There are great opportunities for the truth to abound. Nowadays, the moment someone starts to report something false, there are twenty other people on the Internet within minutes setting the record straight. I am hesitant to believe, though, that the Internet and social networking sites are the most powerful ways to create the influence we seem to crave. I want to follow doers, not sayers. Inspirational words don't mean squat to me if there isn't action backing it up.
Can we change the world? I think so. But it'll take more than a Facebook status update.
No comments:
Post a Comment