John: We need to talk
Jenny: Really? Right now? I think we should rather talk in person
John: No, I don't want to see you. Its over.
Jenny: Can we please talk about this face to face?
John: No, whats more. I'm deleting you!
John is offline
Welcome to an age where disputes in friendships and relationships are decided over things like Facebook, MSN and Mxit (for those of you outside South Africa; its like MSN for your phone). Some of the most personal issues are broadcast for the world to see and without the face to face contact that in previous years have characterised such disputes.
Of course the extent of this 'public personalisation' is dependent on the people involved; the problem comes when it is rather onesided. Couples breaking up over Mxit, the change in the relationship status and even angry yet poetic notes on Facebook talking about the other person using rather colourful language; have made a persons vunerability public domain.
These means of communication have enriched our lives as we can keep in contact with loved ones on the other end of the globe however, as is the case with most things, some people are using these means for issues that should probarbly be addressed personally. A limit needs to be set to show basic human respect, so...
If you want to confront a friend or a boyfriend/girlfriend in a more hostile manner; kindly just use the means to set a time and place where this can occur. Kindly have the courage to talk to me face to face. After all, we are humans not robots just receiving and sending out transmissions.
Amen sista! You couldn't up have put it better. Online chatrooms are both a blessing and a curse, as you have mentioned. Social networking is a positive, but it's becoming a replacement for real social interaction. MSN and Mxit give people a new kind of false confidence to say whatever they want, because it's easy when you don't have to see the expression and hurt on the other person's face. Issues like the ones you have highlighted need to be discussed in person, otherwise it's the same as using a gun when hunting. The innocent victim doesn't stand a chance. I hope something can be done to stop this immature behaviour. Good luck!
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