While I am not from the 1950s, I sometimes feel that I was born in the wrong generation. Social media and technology allow us to connect with one another, and I feel grateful to have the ability to do so. However, wouldn’t we stay in touch with those who mean most to us without the Internet? If someones’ friendship or relationship is so near and dear to us, wouldn’t we make an effort to remain in touch without Instagram or Facebook? Evidently, social media has contributed to making the concept of “picking up the phone” practically extinct. It has also taken away the element of surprise.
I know people, myself included, who post photos of themselves dressed up for major events before attending said shindig. While posting selfies and images of oneself is an excellent self-esteem booster, this idea minimizes the “shock factor.” People won’t be as surprised to see you walk into your friends’ wedding in your sparkly, silver dress due to the fact that you posted this photo ahead of time. I am aware of people who post photos of themselves in their graduation gowns before graduation day. Yes, graduation is an exciting time. However, isn’t it more special to take intimate photos following the ceremony when the hard work is already done?
I understand that sending a photo of your potential outfit to your best friend via text pending her approval is a luxury. But would the world come to an end if you showed up to a party wearing attire of your choice without your best friend seeing you beforehand? How did people survive years ago? What's the purpose of telling stories through pictures and videos to people who you don't truly care about on Snapchat? Perhaps, it is therapeutic to share your experience, but isn't it better to wait until you see your dear friends in person to detail the news? I don't want to find out that my cousin got a puppy via her Facebook status. I want to feel important enough for her to privately and personally text me this monumental moment.
Yes, it is also comforting to Skype or exchange photos with your significant other before seeing one another after being apart for a period of time. But isn’t it even more worthwhile when you see him or her in person after not being together for an amount of time without these forms of communication? Technology is undoubtedly a necessity and a convenience, but what has happened to the virtue of patience? In some ways, flaunting your outfit in person is much more valuable than receiving one hundred “likes” on a picture. People actually have to pay attention to what you are wearing instead of having the power to scroll back on your profile to continuously view what you wore on repeat. Make a lasting impression instead of being concerned with perfecting your online profile!
