What Hath Come Of the World?!

<insert dramatic face here>

I always complain about how my parents don't understand me because of the major generation gap. They don't understand why I am always on my phone...or laptop...or iPod...or anything really. They always ask me to make use of my time and do things constructively. Use time productively. Having aims and goals in life.So on and so forth.

I hated those long lectures. It's bad enough I have my own philosophical thoughts going on in my head, with my parents yapping away on the other end about reality of life.

But today, as I was reading an article about how one should live in their 20s (it was directed at the male audience, but I think readers are sane enough to generalise and adapt some of the points to our situation...or in this case, gender), I realised how correct my parents were.

What's stupid is, it was an article that made me realise this. What's sad is, we have people writing articles to tell us how to live. I mean, I don't think my parents, or their parents, or their parents' parents read articles and lead life. And they turned out to be perfectly fine!

Which is why I generally do not appreciate the media and technology. They influence our thoughts waaaaay too much and we start to have this weird cyber personality. I can talk a shit load here on my blog and on Facebook and Twitter, but stare at you like a wide eyed raccoon in person and say nothing.

Having said all that, it's ironic. Because I am a media student. And this is technology that I'm using to convey this message. What hath come of the world? Where it just goes around in circles? The quest for answers hath lost its meaning. There are no answers. Just circular journeys. 

Comparisons

I think it is normal human nature to have the need to compare. We compare our clothes, appearances, things, work load and so on.

But can you imagine life, if for once, we didn't compare how one is better or how one is worse? If we could just sit and be happy about the half a chocolate we have? Why is there the constant need to compare?

And let me bring in the technological factor of today: Social Networking. It's a good thing...but reality is that we've articles (some useful, some not so useful) circulating about the most random shit on earth. I recently read an article about why Montreal is better than Toronto. Fair enough article; but not when your arguments are based on a better party and booze life.

Another thing we all (students) tend to do is compare the amount of workload we have. Why? Are we trying to make the other person feel bad that we're working more? Who are we kidding? We spend half our time procrastinating on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and our beds; and the other half cribbing about the amount of work we have. If we cut off one of two, preferably the latter, we'd have enough time to do the "work" we crib about.

As I mentioned earlier, comparing is human nature. Sometimes I think that without comparisons, we'd have no motivating factor. For example, when my friend complains to me about the amount of work he has, I realise that I, too, have work (probably not the same amount) and actually get that work done because I feel guilty that he has more work than I do. Which is probably not the case anyway.

As for comparing places...don't even go there. That's probably the most stupidest thing to do. Places are different...they hold different cultures, historical facts, people, food, architecture...everything. It's like comparing a potato and a carrot...they're both vegetables. Let them be bro.

Types of People on Facebook: Part II - Inputs from my Lovely Readers :)

So...some of you lovely ladies and lads added on to the previous list. So here goes!

BitStrip of Anu Subra

1. BitStrip Fanatics

For those of you not familiar with the concept of BitStrips, it's a comic version of yourself where you represent any situation or feeling. Like the illustration shown. I am a BitStrip Fanatic so I'm not gonna speak ill of this ish. Okay fine. I have to be fair. The thing is damn addictive! Mainly because it's humorous. But when you see your news-feed full of BitStrips, you realise it's a bit too much. So bye-bye BitStrips. *sniff*

2. Stalkers

Now, it's really hard to tell when someone is stalking you on Facebook. Constantly checking a person's profile...every day, every minute, every second. Brrr. But it is obvious when I get a notification that someone liked my post from freaking 2008. It's even more embarrassing when you're on a touch screen and you accidentally do so. Oohhh busted!!

If there are any more, please do let me know and I'll add on to this list!
Thank you!

Inputs from: Harshit Jain, Lloyd L Mackayi, Parvathy Menon

Types of People on Facebook

There are a gazillion people on Facebook. But some of them fall under the following categories:

1. News Givers

These are the people that constantly update you with news. Like we’ve no idea what’s happening in the world. Frankly, I get most of my news updates thanks to these people. I don’t even read the newspaper unless I really have to…like for work or something.

2. Attention Seekers

“I’m so sad”…yeah? Well, so am I…thanks to your update. Furthermore, Facebook has this new application that actually encourages such kind of statuses. Like seriously, when did a Facebook status become one’s personal diary?!

3. Photograph Freaks

I’ll admit. I’m one of these. But damn, it’s the only place to share pictures and what not. If we take pictures, it’s because we want them up on Facebook so that we can see how many likes we get and what not. In a way, photographs have lost their essential meaning…making memories. Sigh.

4. "Likers"

Ever posted up anything and had a like immediately from that one person? No? Well then, you don’t have a “liker” on Facebook. These are the people who are the first ones to give you a notification. They like almost everything you post up or your news-feed will be filled with “So and so liked so and so’s post/photo/link” and so on. These are also the people who are constantly on their phone…on Facebook.

5. Couples

Now don’t mind, but I may be a bit biased as I am single. But to all you couples…hi. So. Yes. Firstly, it’s a bit confusing (and excuse me, but irritating) when y’all have the same profile pictures. Like bro, didn’t y’all take more than one picture together? Secondly, it’s hard for me to figure out whether you updated your status or whether your girlfriend did it for you. So please, let me know whether you’re bi-polar, have MPD or just fused with your girlfriend to make that “one-body-two-heads” thing I spoke about a few posts back.

6. #Hashtaggers

Hello there people who want to use hash tags but hate Twitter. Psh. The concept of hash tags was ridiculous when it appeared on Facebook. It was legit on Twitter because…well…that was probably the USP of Twitter. But when Facebook incorporated it, it was just…sad. But it was funny before they incorporated it…because people actually used it without knowing its actual serving purpose.

7. Check in!

The people who check in…I’m actually surprised you’ve not been attacked yet. Seriously, I know exactly where you are and what you’re doing; and that’s a tad bit creepy. But then again, it’s informative. If I wanted to join you, I’d just come by. Or I’ll do the whole “OMG! You’re here too? I had no idea!!” I’ll admit, I was used to checking on before. I still do. Only on Foursquare.

8. Philosophers

Get your life's gyaan and advice from your friends who put up philosophical quotes...inspirational, political, environmental...everything. This isn't irritating really. It's actually sensible. You're spreading knowledge. So peace to y'all.

There are many more categories but these are all I could think of at this time of the morning. If you know of any others, please feel free to post a comment or two on your categories or thoughts! Peace! 

Past and Present

The Past

1. Walking
2. Writing
3. Letters
4. Outdoor games
5. Long Distance Relationships
6. No "doing stuff" before marriage
7. In love only once
8. Eating a meal out once in a while
9. The thrill of going for a movie
10. Face to face conversations


The Present

1. Cars, Trains, Gyms, etc.
2. Typing
3. E-mails, chat, etc.
4. Video games
5. Break up
6. What's marriage?
7. In love a gazillion times
8. Eating a home cooked meal once in a while
9. Everything is available online these days
10. Facebook, Skype, etc.

Who said technology is better? Who said being practical is facing reality? The thrill of life was lived in the past. Today we're all just machines, abiding by society's rules. We are not who we are. We are what others want us to be. We have no identity because we are all one. You may think you are unique, but so is everyone else.

Technology may be efficient, but it has sucked out the human from us. It's sad I even have to blog about it, rather than talk about it with someone. 

The Rape Case

The People;

The lower class, unaware

The middle class, aware but no time

The upper class, aware, have time to protest

But, no results.

The Media;

News sensation, exaggeration

What is the reality?

Blowing out of proportion

New stories: Has Bollywood got to do anything with this? 
Are the media to blame?

Again, no results.

International viewers;

Sympathise, discuss

Look down upon India

It does not affect them;

Again, no results.

Social Media;

Endless RIP tweets,

Sharing n number of notes and photographs about the case

Organising walks and protests

All lasted for a few weeks.

Today? Hardly anything seen on my newsfeed.

What’s the point?

Was justice served?

Was it served despite all these expressions, protests, walks, news, reactions, discussions?

What really happened?

R.I.P, the woman who fought, the woman who awakened India with her sleep.

Use and Throw

Having lived in this world for 20 years, I now know the value that people hold. Yes. Being 20 can make you wise. Okay, maybe not. But trust me, I  may know more at my age than my parents did when they were my age. This is all thanks to the developments in technology and something called "Google" that helps me search for everything...even ridiculous things.

Thanks to development, we are all self obsessed. Yes. I am too. This is why I have this blog. And 10 different profile pictures on Facebook of just me. Without anyone else. I am self obsessed. I like to tell my stories. I like to talk about my experiences. I like to take pictures of myself (please don't give me that look. I know you do too. At least I don't do it in the bathroom!). I like to update my Facebook status and get many likes. I like to see the number of followers on Twitter increase. I like to see the number of blog views increase. I AM SELF OBSESSED.

However, last night, I noticed how being self obsessed has turned me into someone I am not. It has changed me from that nice small town girl to some spoiled brat that only cares about...well...herself? It's not that I don't listen to other people's problems and stories. I do. But I immediately think of a story that relates to me. Which is sad.

This brings me to my next point. This post is not going to just criticize me; it's going to criticize all my friends too. Yes. You guys. Well not in specific. But you may want to think about it. The number of times I have tried to keep in touch with people is uncountable. But their side of the effort is not even 1/8th of mine. The number of times I have sent a 'good morning' message to my friends is again uncountable. But never once have I received the same. The number of times people have come to me for help is uncountable. But when I ask for the same, they're all busy.

I had a friend, 4 years back, who had the same issue with me. It was then that I told her, "In friendship, you don't expect the other person to return favours." Clearly I was wrong. It's not meant to be favours. If it is a favour, it's not friendship. All actions have to be based purely on care. In any relationship.

With that, I'll end by saying, do not ruin your character by getting too involved in technology. Give time for the reality of life to sink in. Because once reality hits you, you may not be able to face it.

NB: The examples given above are purely fictional. Please do not relate to them or find them offensive. 

HIGH EXPECTATIONS = HIGH DISAPPOINTMENTS

Is Life a Bitch?

Sometimes life can be a bitch. You do so many things that you regret…but you never realise the lessons they teach you. After all, you do learn from mistakes.

It’s never easy to go through a break up. It’s never easy to go through a fucked up break up either. You know; the ones where you have a misunderstanding and you have a huge fight. What makes it even worse? Social networks or let’s broaden it a little; the recent developments in technology from internet to cell phones to whatever else I am not aware of.

"My ex and I broke up about 4 and a- half years back. I still read the fucked up message he sent me when we broke up. What’s even more fucked up is that the message pin points on certain personal traits of mine; some that I reflect upon when I am introspecting; some that I know are my bad qualities. It’s bad enough when you know your negative qualities, but for someone to list them out and give them to you, that sucks. Major. And at the back of my mind, I am very much aware that I have access to a list of my shitty qualities, hidden deep in some Facebook message." - An Anonymous Friend.

Technology is a major contributing factor to many misunderstandings these days. Think about it. I easily get jealous when I see a guy I have a crush on with some other chic on Facebook, posing for sultry kind of pictures; Or when he comments on her pictures. Gah. What the hell? Back off bitch! See? If this is my reaction to a freaking guy I have a crush on, how would it be if he were my boyfriend?

"The problem with our generation is that we
are so dependent on technology..."
Photograph by: Jiyoon Kim

The problem with our generation is that we are so dependent on technology rather than our own feelings. We are willing to believe pictures, messages, wallposts, tweets and what not from various social networks, but we hardly trust the person. We judge people by their pictures, statuses, notes, etc. but we never give them a chance to explain themselves.

Lesson learnt? A rather cliché one…but never judge a book by its cover. To make it more understandable for our generation, never judge a person by their Facebook profile.

Life is a bitch. That’s only a belief. If you want to make it better, life is still a bitch. But a bitch gives birth to cute puppies. Life is a bitch. But it’ll give you those happy moments when you need them. Just don’t let petty things like technology ruin it for you. Technology didn't make us, we made technology.

"We're all afraid to speak up. So instead we assume, misunderstand, and complicate everything." - @wizdom

No Relation

The past four years have been a really long journey, filled with joys, adventures, cries and secrets. A typical teenage life is what I lead. As I read through my old Facebook messages, I could sense a level of immaturity and childishness in my words and sentences. "What was I thinking?!" I thought, as I read my horrible grammar mistakes, the then "cool" SMS language and the constant dots between each and every sentence. As if murdering the formalities and structures of the English language was not enough, my content was even worse. Things like "Chocolates are better than ice cream" and constant attention seeking status messages like "I am depressed." and "Sigh." were seen on my profile. Curse Mark Zuckerberg for having introduced and incorporated the Timeline. Ugh.

Source: Google

Then again, thank Mr Zuckerberg for giving me an easier and less creepy way to stalk my momentary teenage crushes. No am not a creep and yes we all stalk people on Facebook. Get over it. I never understood the big deal about Facebook. I was, obviously, like others, impressed with Facebook at the beginning. It was like shifting into a new house from hi5 to Orkut to Facebook. I bet you guessed my new home even before I could say it, Twitter. Facebook has become a nuisance. Depressed status messages, people making their lives publicly available to all their friends (even those that they haven't spoken to in years!) I did a little experiment myself. It was during my fourth semester examinations and hence more convenient and helpful. I deactivated my Facebook account for a month. During that one month, I realised that I had spoken to my friends more than I usually do, because I was not aware of what was happening in their lives and they weren't aware of what was happening in my life. So tell me again how Facebook helps me become a more social person?

But, do you see the irony? If you are my friend, it is most likely that you're reading this blogpost because I shared it on Facebook. Ah the circles of life. But its like some Hindi serials tell me, "It may look useless, but you can manipulate it and use it to your own advantages." No I am not evil.

I don't see the point of this blogpost. Is it about Formalism? Structuralism? Globalisation? Socialisation? Social networks? All I can say is that I am writing for the sake of writing. I am expressing my feelings through this blogpost. If you'll notice, the first paragraph of this post and the last, have no relation what-so-ever. In the same way, my past does not reflect who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. Live life like it's meant to be - the way you want it. And don't I don't support the whole YOLO jazz (Sorry Drake fans) because I believe in reincarnation, thank you very much.

PS - For those of you who think Twitter is crap: "@autocorrects TWITTER makes you improve your writing. The 140 character limit forces you to master the art of getting right to the point."

10 things I did last night instead of studying

1. Thought about France and spoke in French to myself.
2. Stared at my blank purple wall and wondered why it never looked so interesting before.

Refer to Point Number 3

3. Searched for myself on Twitter (and also misspelled my name while doing so).
4. Played Taboo with myself.
5. Played Free cell and Solitaire on my laptop.
6. Stalked myself on Facebook.
7. Google searched whether the next day would be a holiday or not.
8. Cried because the next day is not a holiday.
9. Stared at my purple wall more.
10. Went to sleep because that's all am good at.