living with the awful truth that we are not as cool as we'd like other people to think we are*

Image via NYmag.com

I've been experiencing a bit of angst with Facebook lately. Not with the actual platform, but with all the banal and truly unnecessary updates of my fellow users. While thinking it might be rude to de-friend certain offenders, I've found that hiding their profiles limits my daily annoyance. Still I've gotten to the point where I've considered canceling my account entirely.

A big part of my distress lies in the impression I have that there are quite a few people taking on and broadcasting hobbies and interests for the sole purpose of garnering accolades. We live in a society where our tiniest achievements can be shared with the stroke of a key. Because of this, there seems to be a motivation to do more than ever, and a greater opportunity to be recognized by others. In gentler times, this overt attention-seeking might have been labeled bragging. But because we do it electronically, and not by carrier pigeon, it's not deemed as offensive. 

I disagree. Can you imagine if every time you wanted to tell people how well you did in a race, you had to attach it to a bird and send it off? It would be ridiculous. People would think you were a pretty self-centered cad for assuming we're interested in whatever message your bird is delivering fifteen times a day. (Feel free to use this metaphor as a litmus test for sharing your latest news)

All I'm urging is that everyone should just do what they want, because they actually want to do it, not because it makes you look cool or you're seeking validation for your endeavors, or because someone else already gave it the seal of approval. And maybe, just once, be quiet about it. If you're doing something because you love it, it will feel rewarding whether you're congratulated for it or not. So relax, and stop updating your Facebook status with fervent pleas for attention. 

*That's a band or an album name. I'm not sure. either way, I can't take credit for it, but it's one of my favorite statements.