Our human RSS feed at Goodman&Company circulated an interesting article in the NY Times by Peggy Orenstein on how social media has influenced how we construct our identities. The article discusses how posting status updates puts packaging our thoughts (to play to our audience) above capturing the essence of that which we are sharing. The impact of this "packaged self" is that a) time typically spent on introspection is being replaced by time distilling experiences into status updates and b) empathy is eroding because we are too focused on self-promotion.
While I take all of the points and do not dismiss the arguments, my immediate perspective after reading the article is as follows: (Note: These apply to non-business use of social media)
- I don't think what one chooses to share with others defines the moment nor the memory. I look at status updates as something I choose to share. Five years ago I may have shared that thought with three people by phone. Today I share it with hundreds on Facebook.
- I don't think anyone reflexively posts each feeling. People share a tiny fraction of their total thoughts or feelings - and sometimes not immediately. There is still plenty of time for insight.
- I look at posts as sharing, not self-promotion. Self-promotion may be the outcome, but I don't think it's the focus of status updates.
- I'm certain most people don't put much thought into most status updates. Some may take some thought to create, but most are quick bursts.
