Whilst trying to de-clog my reader on Monday after my trip to London, I came across this very interesting post from one of my favourite blogs, The Reflective Muse. It’s all about social networking, and how it could quite possibly be detrimental to “real life” communication, and how some people use tools such as Facebook and Twitter to paint a complete picture of somebody when they’ve only really scratched the surface. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to blog about it so here are my thoughts, and then I’d love to hear yours

I’ll admit; I’ll often judge people by the way they tweet or how their Facebook page looks e.g. interests, profile picture, status’. But then again, out in reality I’m the one who takes first impressions as a given. It’s a weakness of mine and often people have to do something spectacular to change my initial impression but in “real life” it’s harder to click “Unfollow” or “Remove from friends”. On Facebook and Twitter I often don’t think twice about scrubbing people off my friends list, which is slightly disturbing – it makes it easier for me not to give people a second chance but surely people deserve one?

Secondly, the social divisions on Facebook are out there for all to see. You know when you’re not included in things because you’re not invited to certain events – I’ve seen this regularly when university socials take place. I’m not one of those who makes themselves heard in class, I get on with things and concentrate on grades, rather than socialising – apparently that’s a crime. So when I go onto Facebook and half my class have accepted an event invitation to the “End of year social” and I haven’t even seen a sniff of an invite, the divisions become apparent. Inside jokes are also constantly entering my feed, confusing me, and then making me realise I don’t get it because I wasn’t there. Sure, these happen offline but you can turn a blind eye; with Facebook it’s hard to ignore these little snippets taking over your feed.

But, there are positives surely? I love how you can reconnect with people or even connect for that matter. I have met most of my closest, and dearest, friends online – granted, it wasn’t via Facebook but we got to know each other on message boards and over MSN. As time went on we recognised that we all have flaws that don’t show up in an instant message but it’s nice to know such a strong bond can form much quicker than it can offline. I have also been in touch with old friends on Facebook which triggered things offline – my singing teacher just recently stepped into the Facebook world and now we’re catching up with all the months we’ve not seen each other.

Going on to Twitter, you are also able to converse with people you wouldn’t normally dream of chatting to. You can get involved in heated debates and make an impact, if only small, on certain things. I remember a few months back a much loved UK singer died and a certain journalist wrote some disgusting comments in her column about how being gay killed him, and it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Without Twitter I wouldn’t have known about this, nor would I have complained to the press complaints commission to air my views. I felt like I had a voice, and there was a large number of people on Twitter who felt the same – we were standing up for what we felt was right, and it felt good.

So, social networking can have negative impacts on communication but I make sure I have regular phone conversations with friends, and go see them when I’m free. We need to be responsible for realising that while social networking can be incredibly useful, it’s a tool – it’s not the solution. And while I step down from my soapbox, tell me what your views are.

Another interesting post about the same topic can be found at Campus Intel.

[courtesy of weheartit]

I’m taking a break but before you scream, “No, don’t do it!” I must tell you I’m only going to London for 4 days – sorry to those getting their hopes up With everything going on at university and all the stress of moving into my own flat in July, I’m glad for the time away even if it’s only for a few days. Now London is pretty much my second home – in 2008 I spent at least once a month there with friends, and eventually have a plan to move down there after university so it’s always the ideal place to be to get away from everything. We’re getting the late train down there which will see us arriving at about 10pm, then we’ll hop on the Tube and head straight to our hotel to pad down for the night.

Saturday will involve the usual tourist-y things – we’re visiting the V&A museum because apparently they’ve got a theatre exhibit on which makes me go weak at the knees a little bit. They have costumes, props, and various pieces of memorabilia from shows and it’s all free so I’m all over that. After that we’re heading to Harrods for some retail therapy and some free food tasting which is something my mum enjoys doing – I think she enjoys feeling posh for a few hours! Then we’ll head down to Oxford Street for some more shopping although none of this is free, unless you want to get arrested. Finally it’s a meal out at an Italian restaurant, and then bed. You see, the key to staying in London is that you need to do so much during the day that once your head hits the pillow you’re gone – that’s when you know you’ve had a good day.

Sunday is always a pretty chilled out day, but with Sunday matinees now in place we’re seeing a show – something called Legally Blonde…? Oh you’ve heard of it? Yes, it’s huge at the moment. Now most of you know that I love a trip to the theatre, in fact someone could stand on a stage and sing the dictionary and I’d still be in my element so I’m a bit excited about this. After the show I think it’s another meal somewhere noisy, and then bed. Obviously it’ll be cushioned out with walking, window shopping, sightseeing etc. but that’s generally a given.

Monday we’re coming home mid-afternoon so there will be time for a bit more shopping and photo opportunities. And then it’s back to university – I’m hoping this trip will give me a “rest” so that I am all systems go and ready to get on with the last half of the semester. Now, I really must pack or at least attempt to fold some clothes.

Today’s post is inspired by the lovely Nora and it’s all about my current loves & hates.

LOVE: The sunshine is just starting to make an appearance, and the winter chill is becoming more bearable.
HATE: Being stuck in a lecture theatre while the weather is like this – becoming more jealous of those out on the campus field playing sport or eating their lunch.

LOVE: Being halfway through my second semester and that little bit closer to the summer holidays.
HATE: The workload that comes with the end of semester – 3 big assignments for 3 seperate modules, and no placement.

LOVE: The excitement of season finales from One Tree Hill, Lost, Nip/Tuck, and the like.
HATE: Not having the time to watch them!!

LOVE: My upcoming trip to London on Friday.
HATE: The lack of spending money I have, and the guilt of asking my parents for some.

LOVE: Seeing my friends and catching up with them after a month of not seeing them.
HATE: Not knowing the next time I’ll see them and, again, feeling guilty.

So there you have it – short and sweet but just enough Now, what are you loving and hating right now?