Why I Don’t Broadcast My Life Online
Hey, what’s up?
Last week, I wrote about a general overview of the online lifespan of romantic relationships, so I wanted to delve deeper into the nuances of posting personal information on social media. Or more specifically, I wanted to talk about what I choose to post and what I keep offline.
As you can see below, to the average stranger, my Facebook profile doesn’t offer much. All that’s there are nine pictures and one public post promoting my marketing group’s research study. Once we’re Facebook friends, you can see a few more photos and even my friends’ list, but most of the content I have online are posts that I’ve been tagged in, not my own posts.
I’m probably not your average Facebook user, and I don’t mean that in an ‘I’m quirky’ way. I’m just not a fan of posting everything online. To me, personal information is best kept private, or shared in person. I haven’t been in tons of relationships, but even if I had been, I wouldn’t need my aunt or some distant acquaintance knowing about all of them.
Take, for example, my old high school classmate. I’ve spoken to her maybe three times, and as I lurked around Facebook for something to write about, I found pictures of her with her current boyfriend, but also pictures of her with her three exes all in the same album. I promise I’m not a creepy stalker; I saw these relationships run their course and took a deeper look into her profile while researching.
If you want to post about your life online, you’re free to do so; you have the freedom of speech. But at the same time, consider the fact that maybe your high school teacher that you’re friends with doesn’t care about your seven past relationships. Also consider that I don’t care either.
Following the same train of thought, I’m not completely comfortable with the whole world knowing who I choose to date and when I date them. Also, it could just be me, but I think it’s a bit weird to have remnants of the past scattered all over a very public profile. Once something is over, I’d like the past to stay in the past, and I’m not just talking about relationships… high school was fun, but definitely something I don’t need to relive.
There’s also the fact that Facebook relationship updates generally happen only when relationships are serious. Below is an example that perfectly illustrates this point.
Facebook relationship statuses aren’t like other Facebook posts; they don’t instantaneously update your social network. Rather, romantic relationships build in other ways: they’re strengthened by text messages and sly comments, or they’re posted through ambiguous Instagram pictures and Snapchat stories. Now, posting that you’re in a relationship on Facebook is probably the equivalent of the past’s ‘going steady.’ People just don’t say they’re taken on Facebook unless they’re very, very committed.
The habit of updating your online relationship status has suddenly become a strong symbol of a romantic relationship, which is ridiculous. This makes sense for married couples, but for college students, not so much. As much as I wish all the best for young couples, realistically, most of these relationships will end. Once that happens, you’re 1) forced to relive everything as you delete all of this information you’ve posted about your old significant other and 2) everyone is able to witness the fallout.
To me, that just sounds horrible, and I’d rather just avoid social media when it comes to such sensitive information. But maybe it’s just me. Regardless, don’t let my cynicism keep you from broadcasting your life to the whole world.
Until next time,
Allisen
