Sunday, October 5, 2014

Social Pedia

*****Random Musing - 1: News Feed, or Ego Feed?*****

People say, that humans have the tendency (read guts) to say much more using media that lets them hide their faces while at it. Perhaps true. Often in my "News Feed", or for anyone's for that matter, there appear every now and then discussions that later turn into one-upmanship contests. And some arguments (read desperate attempts) are hilarious.

Patience is a virtue they say, and even with Social Media where we have time to breathe-in-breathe-out before replying, holding patience is quite an effort. And thus, name-callings and irrational comparisons start popping up in the "discussions". Result - The original point of contention becomes a mere side dish (e.g. Chutney) that nobody cares about, and the dish is filled by chilly hot items.

If that is not enough, there are arguments like, "I haven't asked for your opinion." Well, if you put an update on Facebook, frankly, nobody had asked you to do so. You got a platform to express yourself, and you used it. The same Facebook has given a platform in the form of "Comments" facility, for others to further express. If someone does exercise this option, saying that the opinion wasn't asked, seems stupid for the want of a euphemized word. If the comment deserves it, maybe use something like "Remove" option? While I say this, I understand that there are some people who type away and press "Enter" even before their brain is able to process it. Well, some lemons that life throws at us!

*****Random Musing - 2: Comments that do not live beyond 10 seconds*****

Recently it happened, that a very good friend of mine deleted several of my comments on the trot, because I was pulling his legs. Well, just to clarify, none of my comments fit in the types mentioned above, and even he was laughing (perhaps) while deleting them. But it just amused me. The friend in case is someone who seldom thinks about what others would say in real life. But when it comes to his Facebook profile, it is damn surprising to see him conscious about it. Oh, and "Recruiters are starting to check your Facebook profiles before making hiring decisions" is definitely not the reason behind the same, that I know for sure. Anyway, an interesting turn of events.

*****Random Musing - 3: Profiles go way back*****

Recruiters may not check your profile history, but your friends would. Especially when they are bored to death, or are simply having fun, They'll go way back on your timelines, look for a post or anything that would embarrass today's you, and make sure that it suddenly appears as a recent activity on your timeline, simply by commenting on it, "Like"ing it, or tagging number of friends in it. But it is fun for sure!

*****Random Musing - 4: Revisiting old profiles*****

It is indeed fun. I got a chance to see some old activities of some friends as mentioned above. In addition, in bidding a mental farewell to Orkut, we looked back at our own profiles, and the sort of things we used to indulge in. And I for once wondered, "Did I really say this?" Or, "Did I write like this?" Or, further list of "Did I......??" I also came across some hilarious videos (e.g. one "Counter-Strike" animation with characters that I can associate with many from my Engineering Days :D ) that were a real piece of creativity and that had touched a cord with me, but with time were lost in the data clutter that is omnipresent today. Kind of similar to taking out Photo Albums (oh, physical ones) and seeing the photos after years. The same feeling of nostalgia. Who knows, tomorrow what might become obsolete, and what all I can mine out and be as happy and nostalgic about!

Note: The musings may appear random, but somehow they were connected! Hence felt like putting it in a post. Oh, and comments are welcome, I wouldn't say "Who asked for it?" :p