The Etiquette of Social Media

In the new age of technology photos are shared faster than ever. With phones carrying quality cameras along with access to the internet, it is easier to share moments than ever before. Social media cites like Facebook offer an easy way to share photos with friends and family...and a whole of bunch of people you don't know and might not want seeing the picture. Despite the dangers of being too "snap-happy" people are posting intimate moments more than ever on social media sites. Sometimes we forget to think before we post. You see, while you're sharing your latest and greatest moments with your friends or those who were there, you are also sharing them with people who you may not want to see the photos, like a boss or a college. Many people are starting to see the dangers that teens cannot and are creating an etiquette, for example Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, co-wrote "Emily Post's Etiquette 18th Edition: Manners for a New World". This book provides helpful tips and guidlines to live by when taking and posting photos to social media sites. Some of her helpful ideas are seen in CNN's article, "The etiquette of constant photos, Facebook".

But the question I would like to ask is what is the driving force behind the desire to take all of the photos. To, as Post puts it, take yourself out of the event in order to capture the moment. The moment you're not even a part of. Is it a desire to show others how much fun you're having? To incite jealousy? Or is it because you genuinely want to tell others that care about you, though are not with you, about your life? Facebook could just be considered an easier way to keep in touch with those you know, but cannot be with. I believe that is how it started, but now it has changed. I certainly don't know six hundred and thirty-six people. And I know that I don't need to keep in touch with all of them. So why is it so popular?

I think its a desire to, partly keep in touch with friends, but to also meet new people. However, at the same time it is there to create what seem like friendships with a whole bunch of people you don't know, or perhaps don't even like.