by Syreeta

We all spend a lot of time surfing the internet, and sharing our lives on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’ve joined online groups around similar interests online. And we’ve even sought partners through online sites. And as much as we attempt to ‘connect’ online, a little more face to face time and less Facebook could lead to a more fulfilling life in 2013.

The Follow-Dropping Epidemic

I find myself in conversations where people “follow-drop”. Follow-dropping is a new epidemic that has spread with the popularity of Twitter. Follow-dropping has taken over name-dropping, and people no longer know people…and only know the number of screennames that are following their status updates. Follow-dropping goes something like this: “Well because you know I have 2,000 followers” in midst of a conversation about politics or another form of reality-based conversation. Since when did they become some form of currency? Since when did people forget that the online world (as fun and creative as it may be) is not the real world.

Virtual Validation

After my last conversation that included mentions of the person’s virtual reality… I had to seek console. So I asked a friend, ”When people ‘follow drop’…how should I even respond?” They laughed and explained that I couldn’t knock someone’s ‘virtual validation.’ I never thought of how important someone’s online identity was if they didn’t feel their voice was being heard in the ‘real world’. But then I couldn’t stop thinking: Why would someone not fight for their voice to be heard in reality, and concede to a virtual existence?

Fighting For Real Impact

Let’s face it, in a virtual world people aren’t judging your flaws, where you came from, your income, or your family. All that they see is the very best of you, in the image that you curate to the world. It’s just easy to create who you are in the virtual world. And although it is easy, the impact is light. Who are you really impacting? What do your ‘followers’ mean, if they aren’t mobilized to create change and inspire greatness? In 2013, it is important that your online ‘life’ is solely a means to get people to recognize your true reality, which is your purpose. Fight to have real impact! Let’s unplug in 2013, life is better shared.