I started reading my book at 12:16 AM, but before I got to the end of my paragraph, I already needed a break. Luckily my crackberry was within distance so I could type my thoughts into it in order to build this blog post and not forget in the morning.
As an interest, I enjoy social media. Do I believe it is healthy for us? Of course not. For the most part, the blog is great. I enjoy writing and I’ve received many opportunities through the project, but it comes at a price. I can no longer finish a book. I’m a college student. I should be able to finish a book. I should be able to read a book for pleasure or enjoyment, but instead I feel forced. I cannot read an article if I’m not pulled in by the picture that follows or an intriguing headline. When I do read an article, I will quickly skim and stop only for bold or italicized words. As a blogger, I feel the pressure to always be on top of my news. It takes me hours to sit down and get though my daily reads which consist of 18 different websites. I was trying to explain to a friend today that it was an obsession, but I’ve come to realize that it is more of a dependency, which is definitely not healthy.
In my college essays, I sometimes find myself writing in blog speak. Instead of writing and sounding like an intelligent student, my sassy and opinionated voice comes out inappropriately. So what do I do? What do you do when having a Facebook is as common as having a phone number? What do you do when we are more likely to resort to emails, text, and Skype chats to remain close to people instead of having phone calls and meeting in person?
This is what our lives are coming down to is it not?
Just for kicks, I decided to take a quick poll to see how many people read blogs regularly? And if they just read mine because they’re my friend, they don’t count. Out of ten people, seven read blogs regularly and three do not. I’m actually really surprised by that number because I thought it was going to be the other way around.
A friend’s response:
to be completely honest, i love your blog, but i usually just skim because i don’t have the attention span. i am becoming more aware of the impact social media has on my ability to stay focused on schoolwork.
Well thank you for being honest! I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels the same way about it.
I read many blogs on a daily basis. I have noticed my dependency on social networking sites and I deleted my Facebook and Twitter. I cannot let go of my Tumblr or Bloglovin, but that’s ok.