A Note to the Past…
While Facebook was not the first social networking site I used, I feel that it would be the most important to talk to my past self about, since it has so many more implications than other networks which were mainly messaging boards and platforms for online communities. I say this because Facebook was the first platform that I used seriously which did not have an anonymity factor. I remember the hesitation that I had when my friends suggested I sign up, since I needed to use my real name and real school.
Prior to signing up to Facebook around 2005 or 2006 when it first opened to high school students, I had quite a few years experience engaging on social networks and platforms such as Neopets, Habbo Hotel, Something Awful, 4chan and a myriad of other forums and game communities, I quickly learned that anonymity on the Internet is very important. For someone who has such an extremely distinctive last name (I am 99% certain that my immediate family are the only people in Canada with this last name… look it up in the phone book and online directories if you don’t believe me), the idea of putting such sensitive information online was horrifying. Regardless, I signed up and took the plunge, with no idea of how much of an impact this platform would have on the world.
Dear Young Patrick,
I’m writing this to you because it’s important to learn a few things about Facebook. You have no idea, but this thing will change the world in so many different ways. The way we interact, not only just between your friends, but how we communicate as a world is going to be changing, and how people use and view Facebook is going to be changing a lot too.
The absolute first piece of advice I have to give you is to be careful about what you post. What you post will be around for many, many years in the future and people will be able to see it. You may think things are funny, you may be overconfident when you’re young and think you’re cool, you may even be frustrated and want to let out a rant, but I have to tell you that you don’t want to post anything that you might regret in the future.
The big thing you’ll have to realize is that Facebook will one day play a big role when you’re looking for jobs because people will use this to define your character. Act on Facebook like you would present yourself in the real world and keep all the stupid stuff you think is funny somewhere else online. Your Facebook profile will be a reflection of who you are as a person, so keep this in mind.
The other big piece of advice I have to say to you is just try not to worry about what other people think when you’re using Facebook. You don’t have to post something just because you want people to give it likes. It may make you feel happy and that people are interested in your life, but this will only come back to make you feel bad. You’ll chase that acceptance from others, and it will just become another popularity contest. If you have to trust yourself on something, it’s that this is a really negative way to life your life. You shouldn’t be caring about whether others are interested in the stuff you post. You should be posting for you.
What you post are the things in your life that you want to share, and if other people aren’t interested in that then seriously: screw them. Your thoughts and opinions are valid, your beliefs are valid, anything that you like and want to share is valid because in the end, they are your thoughts and the genuine you. There is absolutely no reason for you to present your life only if you think that people will like it. Embrace who you are as a person with your interests because in the end, that is who you are and nobody can say any differently. Don’t filter yourself or even hesitate about posting someone because you’re worried if people will like it or not. This is extremely harmful to your self-esteem and how you’ll value yourself in the long run. If the people you know think differently than you, then just keep being you and you’ll eventually find other people who accept you for who you are, I promise.
Just remember that Facebook, and all of these new social networking platforms that are emerging will have a major impact on the world. It’s in your hands to use them and show the world the best you that you can be. Try not to let others get to you and just be you.
Don’t give up,
Older Patrick
