Am I Addicted to Social Media?

I've been accused of being addicted to many things in my life - big 80’s hair, a good cry for no reason, daytime soaps, any mini series featuring Robert Mitchum or Richard Chamberlain, a good red wine, Prosecco, my son’s laughter - but never in my life have I gotten so defensive over a presumed addiction as when I was accused of being addicted to my cell phone and social media.

 

I mean really, an addiction? That sounds so extreme! Yet, there I was, sneaking a peek at Twitter when no one was looking, hiding the phone under a pillow when someone would walk into the room, checking Facebook at the first restroom break I could excuse myself to, having hid there just minutes before. But wait, am I addicted? Do my reactions to the accusations render me guilty or simply guilty by association?

 

Those accusers, who shall remain nameless, seem to think that there was a time and a place when we all simply talked more. My argument is we talk the same now (maybe even more?) but what we do now is talk … differently. Flashback scene - it’s a Sunday morning, you’re sitting at home with a cup of coffee, reading the Sunday paper held high in front of you, virtually putting up a wall between you and your family. You’d bend the corner of the paper down as you scream down the hall for someone to “come hear this” as you read a story aloud. How does that differ from today’s instant @BreakingNews updates on Twitter that you share with those around you? The difference is your discussion now is in real-time versus the day or days after the story broke. Next scene - picture yourself watching the nightly news - everyone in their respective spot on the sofa - looking at the television (not each other) listening to the happenings of the day. Sure, you had the opportunity to discuss the news as it was relayed to you, but was it an intimate conversation or one that included you, your family, and Peter Jennings; and did you miss the next story because you were talking? Now, no story is missed thanks to the timeline of dialogue and scroll bar.

 

Speaking of addictions, let’s talk sports for a minute. I love all things sports. Baseball - Go Phillies! Football - yes, I still root for the Eagles because I’m a true fan and yes, this is the first year I discovered the SEC even though I’ve lived in the south for 12 years now. Hockey - best two teams to root for are the Flyers and the Predators and I love both. Synchronized swimming - who doesn’t love it? Without today’s “addiction” to my cell and social media, I’d be putting out a fortune for tickets or stuck in front of the TV, remote in one hand and chips and salsa in the other. Instead, I can be out and about participating in life’s events all while keeping up with my favorite sports teams thanks to the invention of the blogger and their Tweets. Now, with 140 character or less from some favorites like @Midday180 or @Cellblock303 or @SECPRGuy  or @Phillies, and 173 others that I follow, I can cheer and jeer with my team in real time. It's like I'm there - but not. I ask you, is that a crime?

And don't get me started about living away from my family and posting a daily play-by-play of the genius and cuteness that is my son so everyone would feel as though they are a part of his all the time and not just on the occasional visit. I would never do such a thing.  cough-cough

If I’m guilty, then I’m guilty of a thirst for knowledge - for learning and for educating. I want to know what news is happening around the world, in sports, with my friend and family, in my industry, and even with those I’ve never met in person but have connected with thanks to social media. I want to share my industry knowledge, love for sports, and (did I mention) the cuteness and genius that is my son because I AM A COMMUNICATOR.  I want to be in the KNOW, and I want to know NOW.  Color me addicted.

Michele

Admitted Cell Phone and Social Media Addict