Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I KNEW IT

"...children's experiences on social networking sites "are devoid of cohesive narrative and long-term significance. As a consequence, the mid-21st century mind might almost be infantilised, characterised by short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity".

Point and case.

I feel the same way about Flickr as well. Everyone is always looking for that next high. "What can be better than the last photo I saw?" I have taken away most of my images from Flickr for that same perverse reason. I felt like I was whoring my images. No differently than stock imagery. "Pete, why did you delete your photos, man?" "I didn't. They are hidden." I like the historical value of this really great time line on my Flickr but please, it was only solidifying my point when people were begging for more images to beat off to.

I deleted my Facebook a while back in July(?) because I felt like it was this constant pursuit of the next voyeuristic visual/emotional jack off. "Who's life can we peep into next?" or "How big of an asshole can I make myself for Facebook at this party so we can all look at it the next morning and reminisce about how little difference there is between the circus monkey and myself."

Moving to Chicago and meeting new people I have heard countless times "Dude, yeah, find me on Facebook." In response I obviously tell them I don't have one and they say, "Oh me! Oh my!" Anything dealing with the internet that asks for that sort of attachment of a human being I will not be a part of actively. I have grown up on the internet pretty much. I've made countless connections and best friends from it. It's a weird animal. It started with Skateperception then myspace, flickr, and facebook. I do not regret any of them. Some of the best things in my life have happened to me because of Skateperception and Flickr. I just wish it could have happened a bit more organically. Possibly just in real life. But it's the day and age we live in I guess.

Edit: Yes, Aaron, all things in moderation. And please, don't think I'm being negative towards all things internet related. Because I do say that SP and Flickr have created some amazing opportunities and friends.

It is all about intent. Aren't all things?

7 comments:

Andrew Snyder said...

Perfection Peter. I'm conflicted even typing a response on this on electrobox. But I agree wholeheartedly.

Aaron Fowler said...

it seems like people jerk off on blogs as much as the do on flickr. i think there are healthy ways to use all of them.

Pete Halupka said...

I agree, Aaron. I do agree. Just another twisted dimension. Moderation is key.

Bryant Thompson said...

oh nice! Thats why use I keep my flickr udpated wit my fun pictures, pictures Just to keep updated. Ya know, 35mm snapshots, screen shots, video grabs. Things that wont allow people to get sick of what they should be looking at

kohlton said...

The internet gives me a reason to wake up in the morning.

Justin said...

I feel the same about flickr right now. I was just getting sucked into lurking it all the time, constantly looking at peoples uploads. I think it will be good to spend a while just shooting and printing and not uploading or viewing.

sos said...

wage war on generally meaningless, but potentially fun devices of communication! (like blogs)