Social Networks Becoming Anti Social Networks

Now, all I know is what I read on the Internet, when I can access it! Doing the show, VIVA Elvis that I am doing they tuck us in our dressing rooms, deep and dark in the bottom of the theater. Now, don’t think I am complaining because they spare no expense to make sure we are comfortable in every way. However, in this modern day and age American’s newest slogan is: Mom, apple pie and high speed Internet. ” They say you can live two weeks without food, a day or so without water ” but take someone’s Internet access away and they won’t last five minutes.

I am sure I am not the first person to take notice and comment about folks being hooked on texting, facebook, and tweeting, but I will say that I think it has hit new lows. I can honestly say that I have talked to many people lately while they have their phone in hand, not texting, just holding their phones, in between texting, and I swear I am looking them straight in the eyes and I see . . . NOTHING. It is almost like I can see words crawling across their eyes, you know like the Good Year Blimp.

The other day I was talking to a friend of mine in the show and I said, Blah Blah Blah , Blah Blah, and he looked at me and smiled. You know that smile, the one you give your wife or husband and they know you are somewhere else and you did not hear a word they said. That was the look he gave me, but I also noticed that he had his blackberry in his hand and was trying to glimpse at the most recent text or facebook entree. You know, important matters . . . like, his friend in the next room facebooking everyone that I am bored with life today and that Ice cream would help him through it.” . . . ?

I have said in the last few years that communication is what is missing in this world. What I meant was, person to person, face to face, not through wires. Two cups and a string . . . maybe, because you are at least in the same room. Plus there is a such a thing as over sharing. Are people really interested in the fact that you just woke up and you hate your job, I am not, maybe your employer is. The only people I remember in my life that check their phones as much as folks do nowadays are drug dealers and bookies.

Our society is stuck in our heads and not in the moment. That might be OK when we are alone, but not OK when we are driving, or in public around people who might want to talk with you. Recent studies have shown that regardless of gender, People cannot multi-task.” What does this mean you say. Well, it means if you are driving and texting, you are really just texting. Or if you are talking to someone and texting, you are really just texting. This study also stated that this is becoming a big problem in the corporate world. Workers are sitting in company meetings and checking emails and facebooks, to the point that the people paying these company’s (the client) to pay attention ” to their money are getting really fed up, because they are losing money and they are blaming technology.

I have a friend of mine that was selling and old truck of his and the young lady that wanted to buy the truck texted him her offer. She never once in 6 textings tried to call him. He texted her back and said, do you think you could call me on the phone, I need to speak to you live on the phone. ” She texted back No, I am sorry, but I am very shy. ” — Wonder why?

Folks don’t even talk on the phone anymore, they just text and facebook and Twitter, these social networks are becoming anti social networks.

Socialize: I considered just copying and pasting the definition of this word. However, I decided to paste a link to the EHOW website which gives you all a step by step process in socializing. Let me give you a hint, it starts with being face to face with a person and ends with being face to face with a person (http://www.ehow.com/how_2273271_socialize.html).

If a large part of the population decides that this idea of talking to people does not work for them then so be it. They probably won’t make good friends or lovers anyway. Now I am not claiming to be perfect and can even tell you, I have checked my phone while on the road, on the back roads. I am working on breaking habit. But I think we need to start marking clear boundaries when it comes to using our phones and IPods. Life is too short and if you spend more time with your phone than you do with your mate. Dump the phone before they dump you.

It is kind ironic that I spend as much time as I do researching and writing my columns. Only until recently have I begun to understand how Mrs. Roberts feels when I am wrapped up and writing my story and I have that glazed look in my eyes. That is why I have created boundaries, because technology is great, but not very warm at night. I saw a bumper sticker and I wish I would have come up with this: Honk if you love Jesus, text while you drive to meet him! ”

My plan: Invite a few friends over or meet at a place where you can sit quietly, have a few drinks, and just TALK, LEAVE your phones at home . If you cannot do this, you are hooked and if you can you are Off the hook! ” Enjoy your friends and say hello every once and a while, if you still remember how.

Will Roberts is a Guinness World Record holder for Cowboy six gun, a weapons expert and professional actor. He is a trick roper and cowboy humorist, who pays tribute to Will Rogers, America’s cowboy, with a wit as quick as his rope. Will is a syndicated political cartoonist and was the trick-roping cowboy at Cirque du Soleil.

Will has covered the Republican National Convention, Democrat events and Presidential debates. At home in front of or behind the camera, in front of or behind a radio microphone, Will reports what he sees, usually with a twist of humor.