The Anti-Social Network

Pinned to Pinterest, insane about Instagram, tumbled into Tumblr, fixated with Facebook, tuned into Twitter….



In the world we live in, it seems that we are more connected than ever before, but the truth is that it seems we are becoming more and more disconnected. With the recent addition of Wi-fi in many London Underground stations, we girls are beginning to live our lives through technology – hiding behind computer or laptop screen, tablet or even a phone app. Is social media making us anti-social? It seems that we are turning into Screen Queens!

Social media sites have become an outlet for juicy gossip and a place to watch relationships unfold. We come across a wide range of colourful status updaters and tweeters – from the moaners, boasters, ranters, party animals, dirty-laundry airers, cryptic clue-givers, witty witterers, attention seekers and loved-up lovelies. We watch relationships blossoming through people posting statuses and pictures sharing their feelings and soppy displays of affection. A lot of girls feel the need to post a status like, ‘Can’t wait to snuggle up with my gorgeous man xxxx!’ Please don’t. It’s not real! There are some things that are best said in person rather than via a status update or a 140 character tweet. Or at least send him a text. Besides, ‘xxx’ or ‘xoxo’ just aren’t as mind-blowing and intense as a real kiss. In the words of the Black Eyed Peas, where is the love?

As a budding magazine journalist and feature writer with the burning desire to work for a national magazine, social media is an absolute godsend when it comes to job hunting and making valuable contacts. But I have also been the worst culprit when wielding the double-edged sword that is social networking.

With the addition of the new ‘Timeline’, which displays at every status I’ve ever posted, every picture I’ve ever liked (or maybe even disliked), every page I’ve ever liked during my university years all through my sessions of major procrastination, and, well, let’s just say there was a voice screaming in my head, “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! TOO. MUCH. INFORMATION.” I then coiled up into a ball with my face turned bright red and then that voice in my head just continued to scream in my head. Then came to the realisation that sharing isn’t always caring and when it comes to disclosing information less is definitely more. After taking a break from using Facebook, I began to realise how much I enjoyed not having it and began to embrace the enigma and having a bit of mystery and not putting it all out there.

It seems the only community spirit that we have these days is online communities. Oh, how I miss the good old days. Writing ‘LOL’, ‘LMAO’ or ‘ROFL’ just does not compare to Laughing Out Loud with an actual human being. Bring back verbal exchanges!