New Media
Who Has Two Thumbs, Questions About The Future Of Social Media, And Speaks Limited French? This Moi.
by Lindsey Eibergen on 07/02/2012
I do not pretend to be a Social Media Expert (I will leave that to PR folks like Jen Fair and Jake Potter in our office). However, I have long been a subscriber to Socrates’ notion that the unexamined life is not worth living so I do enjoy the ways in which I, as a modern twenty-something, can share my daily experiences with the world. I am not one to broadcast what flavor jam I put on my toast this morning and I do not check-in at the gas pump. But if we are Facebook friends you likely know what Bluegrass band I have been listening to lately, some of my political thoughts and calls to action, and, I do confess, I occasionally rant about the absurdity of strangers.
With several new platforms and as a self proclaimed “hyper-analyzer” (and word inventor) I cannot help but conjure countless questions about the ways in which social media has and will continue to change the future of worldwide culture.
From highchairs to hashtags: My early childhood was largely documented by now fading Polaroid photos; I wonder what life will be like for a person whose ultrasound was posted with hundreds of views before they were even born? Or what happens when a mother starts her son a Facebook page as an infant but at 16 the boy wants to join? Will mom delete that account or give him the password to take it over? Will my (hypothetical) grandchildren click through my online photos like I would thumb through a dusty old family photo album?
Me & Youtube: As my favorite character Liz Lemon once said “Man, there are just so many different devices for guys to not call you on now. When I was your age, I could just be like ‘Oh he probably tried to call me, but my line was busy.’ Then you could just watch Falcon Crest and cry yourself to sleep”. Okay, I’m not quite old enough for that reference but I do understand the sentiment as it relates to modern romance. Remember a time when it was difficult enough having the “what is the status of our relationship?” talk? That was nothing compared to the now common “do we declare our status online?” talk. What if I someday get caught checked-in on Foursquare at a concert when I told a guy I was going to stay home and wash my hair? (*dating tip: next time, check-in @mysink instead)
LinkedIn after life: With a growing number of online businesses claiming to manage your digital afterlife, your “estate” is no longer just about your home and belongings. Never mind the benefactor of your IRA- what about your Gmail account? Who would you trust with that password upon your passing? After recently reading NBC's Rockcenter article on the subject I wonder will we soon see official policies from social media outlets requesting a decision on your level of posthumous privacy? Even the United States Government has advice for your Social Media Will.
What is the biggest concern you have for the future of your social-media self?
