It was a stellar week for our family. Janey’s cheer team received second place in their first tournament of the season and Sally made the basketball team at school. That would make a nice Facebook post, no?
Opportunities like these are one reason I began to affectionately call Facebook, “InyourFacebook.”
I do love the transformative social media giant for a variety of reasons: a place to share newsy tidbits, plan and invite people to an event, ask for advice, find a piano teacher, market one’s wares, build a following, support a cause, stay in touch with far-away relatives, or wish someone a happy birthday without actually having to remember it was their birthday.
An entire society has been developed and roles have evolved. There are the ranters, the quote addicts, the agenda pushers, and link-sharers. The family historians who document every milestone from teeth lost to awards won. The food chroniclers who have replaced grace before each meal with a photo before each meal. And, the advice seekers. There are those that are easy with the “like” button, and others who can easily find a virtual enabler by posting “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
Traditions have developed. Take the feet shot. Thanks to InyourFacebook, I can see that Suzie’s view is of a sugar sand beach, leading to turquoise seas. I should post my feet shots more often. Right now, there is a dresser piled with laundry.
Not sure who started the practice of the shout out to children who aren’t even old enough to have an InyourFacebook account. Posts such as “Happy Third Birthday Johnny, you are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me and I love you more every day.” While mom is on the computer scripting the perfect birthday message, Johnny has the Sharpie with the cap off in the dining room.
We have all been witness to the public proclamation of married couple’s ever-growing love for each other each year on their anniversary as well.
Can I see a show of hands of how many people actually say those same posted words, looking directly into the eyes of their child or spouse?
InyourFacebook is good for showing the world how wonderful one’s life is. Smart talented children, fun parties, wonderful vacations.
One thing InyourFacebook often lacks is context. For example, I could post that Janey got second place in her first Cheer tournament and choose to leave out the fact that there were only two teams in her division. I could also post that Sally made the school’s basketball team, and continently forget to mention that every girl made the team. But those are the details that put a real smile on the faces of real friends, and make real books – and real life – more interesting.
