Posts Tagged ‘Online Stalking’

As far as I know, 10 years ago, when there weren’t any social media shenanigans happening, it was bad enough that a boyfriend or a girlfriend had asked friends of their lovers where their lovers were. Stalk-ish? Yes. Romantic? Not really.

10 years later, with Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, blogs, and a lot more, it has become a very easy access for people to get information about other people whom they want to get to know… personally. Nowadays, it’s “normal” to get info about someone online, which brings me to question: What drives people to advertise themselves in the virtual world?

Look at me! I’m fabulous!

A decade ago, I was living a disconnected life from the wide-webbed-world. To attract attention, one had to be superbly stunning and one-of-a-kind-looking just like Hollywood Stars (and Hollywood Falling Stars). But what about the “regular” people? How can they get the same self-esteem booster for a much lower price and less work? There must be a way.

Minus the overly-priced make-up products and taking the time learning how to wink, there is only one thing someone needs in order to garner the attention of the world: the internet. With all types of social media platforms that we have today, it only takes one click to let the whole world knows what we look like, what our interests are, what we are doing, and where we are. And the best part is, most of these social media platforms are FREE! 

How much is too much?

Free food tastes way better than paid food, well, at least for me, because of the satisfying indulgence of not paying for something that elevates the pleasure of my palate (and grumbling stomach). In the same vein, free subscriptions of social media induce people to sign-up and, viola! they are now included to the list of socialite wannabes. The question, how much is too much, pertains to how much information one wants the world to know. Does the world need to know what you had for lunch and what you think I should have for lunch? Does this generation really have ADD, Attention Demanding Disorder?

Jeepers Creepers

So we’re all famous in our own ways, in our own little virtual social groups and the number of fans is just increasing incredibly. Virtual “fame” has been achieved, so now what? Chances are, this fame has become Hollywood’s upcoming hit movie: He’s Just Really Into You. From a Facebook profile to a blog-site, it’s very easy to stalk someone without being physically present, but visibly online, 24/7. Personally, there is nothing bad about publishing one’s self online. It’s fun and it is becoming a part of contemporary American culture. However, just remember when you tweet more than a bird, don’t be surprised if you find yourself covered with cranberry sauce for someone’s dinner.

All in all, it’s not bad to be a part of this social media generation. Just be careful on what you put out there. Also, be mindful on the type of social media platform you use. If you don’t want people to know exactly where you are, then do not use FourSquare. If you don’t want people to know what’s on your mind, don’t tweet about it. If you don’t want people to know what you look like, use a doppelganger.

Now, let me get out of here as I have to go to the city hall and file a restraining order.