Have You Updated Your Facebook Status Today?

NO, you haven’t?! ...It’s okay because you’ve tweeted, right?

You’re so vain; I bet you think this song is about you, don’t you? DON’T YOU!?

Our generation is going to Hell for our devoted practice of one of the seven deadly sings – VAINGLORY!

No, I’m not actually damning an entire generation, but it’s time we open our eyes to what’s going on around us. Internet developers like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, Google are all targeting their websites towards the very Ego in all of us. From status updates to tweets to photo albums, we’ve come to view the Internet as our vehicle for personal aggrandizement. It’s not our fault. These websites are advertised as being ideal for “Networking” and “staying in touch.” But let’s take the blindfold off…

Think about how many times you’ve impulsively shouted to that mindlessly gregarious friend, “Facebook quote! That’s going up.” How often have you thought, “Can’t wait to post this photo album and read the comments.” “Oooh, that’s a hot picture of me…PROFILE!” Open your eyes! We’re throwing away our humility and virtuosity for the sake of staying relevant and as cool as possible to our peers. We want people to know what we’re doing at all times…and to care! Even when you’re feeling down, you want your followers/“friends” (and I use the term lightly) to either think your life is a constant vacation *due to your recent sunny, carefree, tagged photos* or to express their sympathy for your misery.

You know you’ve been disappointed when a status didn’t get commented on. Upset for not getting that Facebook invite to the event you had NO intention of attending.

Somehow, website developers have managed to tap into and nurture the worst part in us all, making us fear fading into the background. Sure, this generational phenomenon isn’t the worst thing in the world, but we can’t deny the implications. Just as the Chinese 1-child policy has bred a generation of “little emperors” who’ve been smothered with love, attention, and booty from their parents, the Internet is becoming our source of validation and comfort…the teat on which we suckle (pardon the imagery).

*And let me NOT talk about how Internet anonymity has unleashed all types of cowardly, racist, conceited, haters who think they can say and do anything!

Ask yourself, are you still the child with the nice personality and self-assuredness that made Mommy and Daddy so proud?

Whatever your answer, just ponder my thoughts and consider their relevance to your Internet existence.

Yes, the Internet can be your international stage, no problem. Just make sure you’re not neglecting the real world stage and that you’re happy with your Internet alter ego.

Be Well, ... Sasha