COMMENTARY —
Everything in moderation... isn’t that what your parents taught you growing up. It seems that if we do things in a proper and upright order, then everything goes better. But when things get out of whack and out of order, there is a level of chaos that comes about.
People can take anything to the extreme and make it a bad thing. Some people do this with alcohol, some with exercise and I have been known to be extreme in my eating. So I have no stones to throw. But one surprising thing that has become a topic of excessive behavior is Facebook.
The thought of people going a whole day without getting on their social network is almost paralyzing to some. We live through this means and it seems to dictate so much of so many people’s lives. We figure out how people’s marriages are going, if they are single or not, if they are good parents, if they like their jobs, if they’ve gained weight... the list is endless. Facebook has opened us up to a whole new level of snoopiness. With just the click of a button I can find out how old you are, where you live, what you look like, what your hobbies are and what your religious preferences are. Yes folks, our lives are open books... or at least they are as open as we want them to be.
Some people have completely vetoed the power of Facebook on their lives. They don’t have an account and therefore are uneffected by the evils that may abound.
Facebook, like many other things, can be dangerous if abused. It can cause hurt, ridicule and even relationships to break down. But is Facebook to blame in this situation or are the people who are writing on Facebook to blame? I tend to think that Facebook is a means for people to express themselves, wether that be a good thing or a bad thing.
It can also be a wonderful thing. Take for instance the mom who wants to show her family the Easter pictures of the her children. Facebook is the perfect way to let the ones who may care to check them out, have the opportunity to do so. It also makes news travel fast, I mean really fast. In less than two minutes the world can know that you got engaged or divorced, and then, for some odd reason... Facebook can make it seem official.
Yes, if you want to know how people really are, then look at their Facebook profile. I happen to love to play on Facebook. I put lots of pictures and silly posts about absolutely nothing on there. It has reconnected me to old friends and introduced me to new ones.
Like anything, when used wrongly, it can be dangerous and hurtful, but when used correctly, it can be insightful and uplifting. You can offer condolences, praise and encouragement to people you wouldn’t usually get to see by the click of a few buttons.
I’ve heard it said that if gas prices keep going up, Facebook will be the only way that families will be able to get together for the holidays, and sadly, there may be a level of truth to that. When my parents are in India, some of my happiest times are being able to chat on Facebook for a few minutes in the mornings. It makes them seem so close, when they are really a world away from us.
So if you are scared of Facebook and all of the evils it holds, just remember, it can be as good or as bad as you make it, just like anything else.
Individuals hold the power to make things beautiful or ugly; nice or mean; wholesome or broken. What are you doing with the power you possess over things... Even things as small as your Facebook account?
Opinion
Facebook: America’s favorite addiction
Facebook: America’s favorite addiction
- Opinion
-
-
An NJN Editorial: Now we know why we distrust government
If we really needed a reason to prove why the general public typically has great distrust of the federal government, we now have three.
-
Danielle Cater: Moms handle many responsibilities
Mother’s Day has come and gone, but it is still fresh on my mind. As a mom, life takes on a whole new perspective. Many women who don’t have children, dream of the day they will become mothers, not realizing what a difference it will make in their lives.
-
Danielle Cater: Judge by character, not by skin tone
Let’s tackle a tough issue this week. Let’s talk about race.
-
An NJN Editorial: Here’s to resiliency, and rising again from the rubble of disaster
It’s hard to believe, but it has now been two years since the tornadoes of April 27, 2011, that devastated Fultondale and many other communities in Alabama.
-
Danielle Cater: Water your grass and watch it grow
Is anyone ever shocked at a marriage ending in divorce these days?
-
An NJN Editorial: When police get help from the public, good things happen
You’ve heard it from law enforcement agencies for years, through the Crimestoppers program or more direct means: “Folks, we need your help in catching someone.” Or, “If you see something, say something.”
-
Danielle Cater: Keep life fun with good food and friends
Tragedy has struck all over our country this past week, from bombs and bomb threats, to explosions, to interstate wrecks. One thing is certain after this week: Life is full of uncertainty. You never know when you’ll be called out. So while we are here, let’s make the most of our journey.
-
Danielle Cater: One year may change your perspective
Isn’t it amazing to see what a difference a year makes? In just one year, your life can take a totally different shape and direction. Often we are still the same people from year to year, but our situations and circumstances change a lot in only 365 days.
-
Editorial: Only Birmingham can play the race card over an automobile race
If there’s a way to inject the issue of race into any seemingly unrelated matter, you can bet your bottom dollar that a politician in these parts will figure out a way to do it.
-
Danielle Cater: Cell phones make life better — right?
It was 40 years ago last Wednesday when the first call was made on a cell phone. Where has the time gone?
- More Opinion Headlines
-
An NJN Editorial: Now we know why we distrust government
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Oklahoma Tornado caught by Storm Chasers
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
Justin Bieber Gets Booed
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
New 'Anchorman 2' Trailer, Drake Joins List of Rumored Cameos
Eva Longoria's Wardrobe Malfunction
Heat Star Dwyane Wade Surprises Coral Gables Teen At Prom
Steak n' Shake waitress scores huge tip
Singer Miguel Accidentally Lands on Fan At Billboard Music Awards
Celebs Celebrate the Rise of the Side Butt
Grizzly bear gets up close and personal with camera
Justin Bieber Gets Booed After Winning at the Billboard Awards
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
Who is $600M Powerball winner in Fla.?
Top 5 Plays of the Day
