Post by rachelnewcomb on Aug 3, 2011 23:00:22 GMT -5
Technology has transformed the way the world socializes. It sets individuals in the middle of an interconnected, globalized world, and consequently, we increasingly identify ourselves in relation to others. Through social networking we can talk to people around the world at any time of day. Immersed in a world of widespread socialization, we possess the capability to communicate with more people than any generation before us. Our world more far-reaching than ever before, but how has this constant connection and socialization affected individuals? Deresiewicz’s essay “The End of Solitude” posits that ceaseless, more impersonal socialization is robbing individuals of his or her ability to be alone. Aspects of Deresiewicz’s thesis certainly ring true in today's society.
Solitude, in its traditional sense, does seem to be disappearing, or being devalued in a world where “social connection” is as easy as the click of a mouse. Text messaging, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, have become nearly constant activities, background occupations for whatever one may be doing, whether it be homework or waiting in line at the grocery store. Such forms of social connection are convenient in a fast-paced, ever-busy world. It may be hard to coordinate schedules to arrange for a lunch date with a friend, but it’s never difficult to write a quick message on someone’s Facebook wall.
The modern social environment has the potentiality of being unimaginably large. In such a huge social environment it’s no wonder that (as Deresiewicz put it) “ the contemporary self wants to be recognized, wants to be connected, wants to visible.” It’s such a big world we fear being invisible amongst the crowd. Indeed, visibility has become a method of securing one’s self esteem and for some the shallow desire to be seen substitutes for genuine connection. Time often better spent developing actual friendships is wasted posting status updates or pictures.
However, I believe Deresiewicz falls too harshly on this new era of socialization and makes generalizations about its users. He stated, “The goal now it seems is simply to become known, to turn oneself into a miniature celebrity,” and continued referencing individuals trying to get as many Facebook friends, Twitter followers or blog readers as possible. From my experience, this claim is an exaggeration; that’s not what the majority of people look for in modern forms of socialization. Quantity maybe easily accessible, but quality of social connection is still important. Most people are aware that a “friend” on Facebook rarely corresponds to a friend in real life. Maybe a few exceptional individuals seek to use the Internet to become a celebrity, to become as “visible” as possible, but currently the majority use it as a form of simply connecting with others and expressing themselves. While there are negative aspects of this new constant form of socialization, there are also many benefits. When used appropriately, texting and social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, can help build and maintain authentic friendships. I depend on Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family members across the state.
Regardless, unrelenting communication with people we know has left us at least some degree dependent upon others for validation. When you’re used to always being connected to someone, constantly texting or chatting, it’s suddenly unsettling when you are not. In the words of Deresiewicz, “If six hours in front of a television creates the aptitude for boredom, the inability to sit still, a hundred text messages a day creates the aptitude for loneliness.” Being alone or isolated in anyway now possesses an undeserved social stigma. Solitude provides an opportunity for introspection and exploration of one’s own feelings and passions. A sense of oneself is essential to mental and social health and a society is only as strong as the individuals which comprise it. In a world of disappearing solitude the danger increases that society is becoming lost in a world of socialization, so engrossed in the lives of others that we neglect to look inward to find our own identities.
However, like many other young people I use texting, Facebook and Twitter and I still enjoy solitude. There’s nothing quite like the peace of mind I get from being alone with my thoughts, taking a break from the world. Modern socialization and a sense of self are not mutually exclusive as Deresiewicz seems to suggest. I do see manifestations of his claims in some individuals, but not all. Technology of any kind has the potential to be positive and negative, depending on the person using it and his or her environment.
Solitude, in its traditional sense, does seem to be disappearing, or being devalued in a world where “social connection” is as easy as the click of a mouse. Text messaging, Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, have become nearly constant activities, background occupations for whatever one may be doing, whether it be homework or waiting in line at the grocery store. Such forms of social connection are convenient in a fast-paced, ever-busy world. It may be hard to coordinate schedules to arrange for a lunch date with a friend, but it’s never difficult to write a quick message on someone’s Facebook wall.
The modern social environment has the potentiality of being unimaginably large. In such a huge social environment it’s no wonder that (as Deresiewicz put it) “ the contemporary self wants to be recognized, wants to be connected, wants to visible.” It’s such a big world we fear being invisible amongst the crowd. Indeed, visibility has become a method of securing one’s self esteem and for some the shallow desire to be seen substitutes for genuine connection. Time often better spent developing actual friendships is wasted posting status updates or pictures.
However, I believe Deresiewicz falls too harshly on this new era of socialization and makes generalizations about its users. He stated, “The goal now it seems is simply to become known, to turn oneself into a miniature celebrity,” and continued referencing individuals trying to get as many Facebook friends, Twitter followers or blog readers as possible. From my experience, this claim is an exaggeration; that’s not what the majority of people look for in modern forms of socialization. Quantity maybe easily accessible, but quality of social connection is still important. Most people are aware that a “friend” on Facebook rarely corresponds to a friend in real life. Maybe a few exceptional individuals seek to use the Internet to become a celebrity, to become as “visible” as possible, but currently the majority use it as a form of simply connecting with others and expressing themselves. While there are negative aspects of this new constant form of socialization, there are also many benefits. When used appropriately, texting and social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, can help build and maintain authentic friendships. I depend on Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family members across the state.
Regardless, unrelenting communication with people we know has left us at least some degree dependent upon others for validation. When you’re used to always being connected to someone, constantly texting or chatting, it’s suddenly unsettling when you are not. In the words of Deresiewicz, “If six hours in front of a television creates the aptitude for boredom, the inability to sit still, a hundred text messages a day creates the aptitude for loneliness.” Being alone or isolated in anyway now possesses an undeserved social stigma. Solitude provides an opportunity for introspection and exploration of one’s own feelings and passions. A sense of oneself is essential to mental and social health and a society is only as strong as the individuals which comprise it. In a world of disappearing solitude the danger increases that society is becoming lost in a world of socialization, so engrossed in the lives of others that we neglect to look inward to find our own identities.
However, like many other young people I use texting, Facebook and Twitter and I still enjoy solitude. There’s nothing quite like the peace of mind I get from being alone with my thoughts, taking a break from the world. Modern socialization and a sense of self are not mutually exclusive as Deresiewicz seems to suggest. I do see manifestations of his claims in some individuals, but not all. Technology of any kind has the potential to be positive and negative, depending on the person using it and his or her environment.