Social media has shifted our memories and relationships into a series of announcements. Every time I go on social media I’m often reminded how many people are getting married, having kids, and other, seemingly endless, life events. Conversations about old friends are boiled down to “I seen on Facebook that they…”, instead of through the lens of keeping up with them missing the substance of a real relationship.

What we now end up end up with is a weird bits and pieces of a whole person you once knew, now only shown as an online avatar. Instead of sharing experiences, or gathering more context we’re now passively engaging with them. We are loosing the essence of one’s character, humor, and personality. Often times the only thing I remember about a person is their announcements, instead of the moments we have shared together.

I feel like I’m a bystander of someones life instead of being an active participant. I’m moving away from learning about people through announcements and instead slowing down and connecting more directly with people.