Ever since I got on it, I’ve been fascinated for some odd reason. Twitter has finally gotten my attention, and it hasn’t let go since. In case you don’t know, Twitter is an online platform that allows users to answer a very simple question, “What are you doing?”
Plain and to the point: it’s a scaled down Facebook. Now, I’m a Facebook junkie. There are times I wake up at odd hours of the night just to check my Facebook (yes, it’s sad). But lately, I’ve turned on my computer and automatically load my Tweet Deck, which is an application that allows you to “Twitter” without using a browser.
Twitter has hooked me, really good. I’ve been in class wondering what am I missing in the Twitter world. I’m not following too many people, but I’m following enough (celebrities) to be entertained. Phonté of Little Brother will drop his random blurbs, while MC Hammer leaves random food for thought.
But that leads me to wonder: How much do we forget the simple things? Remember the days of sending a letter? Remember those notes we used to pass in class “Do you like me? Circle Yes or No.” And we’d always write the “No” really small.
In today’s world, there’s texting, sexting, and e-mailing. Who has time to sit down and write a letter these days? The last letter I “wrote” was typed and PDF’d in via Microsoft Word. The latest e-mails I send get smaller and smaller, as more things consume my already busy work schedule. It’s almost as if I’m some sort of human robot, limited to texting, Facebook and Twitter for conversations.
On a recent Facebook status, I pondered if the art of talking on the phone was dying. Many people disagreed and said that they talk to the people they care about the most. But that’s too easy, isn’t it? Remember when you wanted to get to know someone, you would have to call and talk to them?
A telephone conversation is nearly instant, making people have to think on their feet. Texting takes away from that. One can take their time to formulate a great response, one that doesn’t let their true personality shine through. It’s almost like talking to – well – a human robot.
Technology is fascinating though. I can’t fathom going without my text messaging service for the two hours that I’m class these days. Of course, I try not to text in class, but there’s something irresistible about doing it. It has a grip on me, and I can’t shake it.
In the past, when I charged my phone, I’d just turn the phone off, letting it get a fuller charger and protecting battery life. Nowadays, my phone stays on while it charges, as I don’t want to miss an important Facebook mobile alert, text message, or phone call.
But, in the end, I’m thankful for technology. For busy bees like me, it’s a Godsend. Who has time to talk on the phone, do homework, watch TV, check the e-mail, and whatever else all at the same time? I can barely focus on the phone these days because I do so much at one time.
But, there are times I do miss just laying in the bed, watching a movie, without getting a text message telling me to pass it along if I love God. I never understood these texts anyway. If I don’t forward, does that mean I don’t love God? Seriously?
But anywho, the power of technology is simply amazing. Barack Obama proved that by winning the Presidential election by using powerful social networking tools such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. His campaign was built on the premise of connecting with people. And, by golly, it worked.
It’s just crazy how all of this works nowadays. You can log onto Facebook, post a picture, and have it seen in a county thousands of miles away. Matter of fact, CNN just did a story stating that more families that are spread out over the country are using Facebook to converse with their loved ones.
It’s just crazy how six years ago, the only way for college students at Grambling to really communicate with each other was HBCUConnect.com and Myspace. Now, we have Facebook and Myspace spinoffs, leaving the older networks in the dust. I’m very grateful for these tools though, because I want to keep in touch with nearly everyone I’ve met at Grambling after I walk the stage on May 16.
I may be leaving, but I won’t be too far. After all, you can always Twitter me @itsdarryldsmith.