The Internet is the Truth
There’s a lot of gullible people out there. I’m talking about the people that’ll believe anything they hear or anything that they see on tv. For me, I try to take everything I hear with a grain of salt. I’ve written about sites like Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter before. When we want to know the details of someone’s life, we go to these sites to find out what the deal is.
For the folks that watch the Colbert Report or the Daily Show, you know that there’s been a lot of talk recently about how news sources like CNN are startin’ to rely on social media sites as credible sources of information for what’s really goin’ on in the world. It’s borderline ridiculous, but that’s the era that we live in. There were thousands of people thinkin’ Jeff Goldblum was dead because of what was on Twitter. There were even news sites confirming his death based on some gibberish that was being broadcast across the internet with no real foundation.
I can’t count how many times I’ve gotten some text message or email askin’ me “Did you hear that Wanda and Shameek are datin’ now? Ain’t that sh*t crazy?” Nah, it’s not crazy. Where did you hear that? Usually my question is answered with one word….”Facebook”. It’s at that point that I start shakin’ my head. This is sumthin’ that started years ago sadly enough. I actually remember bein’ in a community discussion and one of the folks there shouted something that to this day seems to be relevant.
It ain’t true if it isn’t on Facebook.
A lot of folks laughed and clapped at what seemed like a silly statement yet it’s amazing how true that statement has become—particularly when it comes to determining who’s in a relationship with who or where people are in their lives. I could post in my profile that I’m engaged and I’m sure that my inbox would be flooded with messages from people saying congrats and offering all sorts of positive thoughts even though they don’t really know what the deal is. I’m sure that I could let my birthday go by and then change my birthday to a new date and I’m willing to bet a lot of the people on there would send me Happy Birthday messages even though it’s impossible to be born twice in the same year. Pure silliness I say. Pure silliness.
I try to keep the majority of my business out of the streets just because I don’t need the added forces creating havoc in my day to day. Regardless of what I write here, nobody can really confirm what’s going on in my life unless they actually ask me a question. There was a point where I was happy to put my relationships out there. Then there was a point where I stopped because the word got around quickly and that’s when bullsh*t started happenin’. I’ve actually had chicks of relationships past get upset with me for not confirming on social media sites that we were actually together. They became focused on figuring out why I didn’t wanna post it and determining if I was secretly tryna do greeze even tho I ain’t no Crisco ass dude.
I know people my age and older that deal with the same situations. They’re fightin’ with significant others because someone doesn’t want to broadcast something to the world and confirm its truth. Questions are raised about intentions and whether the person is ashamed to admit they’re in a relationship. Once again, pure silliness to me. Similar to the spiritual folk that say “Your relationship with God is just that, your personal relationship with God”, I say the same thing usually about one’s relationship with their significant other. It doesn’t need to be broadcast to the world in order to make it official. It only needs to be broadcast to lame ass folk who don’t get the picture when its clear someone has a boobookins.
I let people assume what they want about who I am and what’s really good or hood in my life. Not to say that my online life is a persona full of fantasy like what you’d find in Second Life, but I’d be crazy if I shared the true intricate details of my life under my real name. After all, I do have a job and this bloggin’ stuff isn’t payin’ me enough to not care about that. Perhaps one day that’ll change. But for now, I’m just a shadowy character with a colgate smile that lives in the dark.
So for today, I’m wondering a few things. Do people put their relationships out there on social media sites on their own or due to pressure from significant others? Do folks turn to official news sites for the truth or do they head to sites like Twitter? And lastly, what do people think about everybody flocking to sites like Facebook to look for the truth? Share whatever is on your mind.
Living in the Web,
40 Responses to “The Internet is the Truth”
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“I’ve actually had chicks of relationships past get upset with me for not confirming on social media sites that we were actually together. They became focused on figuring out why I didn’t wanna post it and determining if I was secretly tryna do greeze even tho I ain’t no Crisco ass dude.”
“It doesn’t need to be broadcast to the world in order to make it official. It only needs to be broadcast to lame ass folk who don’t get the picture when its clear someone has a boobookins.”
You sir, are so far ahead of your time, You need to start another life. Son, I had similar experiences where I was told that I didn’t love the sig other because I didnt want to post my ish on the book. No, thats not the case. I dont need a social networking site to know who I’m dating. I don’t need outside factors trying to get in our world and press either one of us to see if they can shake things up! If we know whats good then thats all that matters. Seeking validation from the outside world that you’re boo-bood up is a sign of severe insecurity and immaturity. It’ll leave you alone and settling for the brand-x relationship.
People want to submit their life story to these internets and do it for free. Im too secretive/smart to do all that. Unless you know me know me outside the Matrix, there’s no need for you to know my business like that! Everything you see on the internets is NOT gospel! I thought we’d evolve better in 2009. I’m afraid of the future.
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Remi Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I totally agree. In fact, I never post my relationship status on those sites. I don’t see the point, but none of my SO’s have ever complained about it, they didn’t have the time or care.
As for believing what you see on Facebook, that is just plain stupid. I don’t even believe what I hear on “reputable” news stations half the time bc they tend to get information wrong or put their own spin on it. I am naturally skeptical of everything I am told and I need proof beyond someone just “reporting” the information.
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“People want to submit their life story to these internets and do it for free. Im too secretive/smart to do all that. Unless you know me know me outside the Matrix, there’s no need for you to know my business like that! Everything you see on the internets is NOT gospel! I thought we’d evolve better in 2009. I’m afraid of the future.”
CHUUCH! Listen meng, social websites are for networking and keeping in touch. Other than that, its a liability because as you said, most people put they lives on these things. Not I said the blind, deaf and dumb man. Besides, I can’t put all my ish out there in the streets if I plan on being the 2nd Black Prez one day. Insecurity is a mother fuc*er. Get some knowledge of self and then holl@cha boi…
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My man’s ex pressured him to put his relationship status on his page.
For a while, I left mine blank. I changed it “in a relationship” on there bc all these men started coming out of the woodworks FRIENDING me, so I wanted to pump the brakes before it even began.
People are so dayum nosey. I try to keep as much of my personal business off of those sites as possible. I found it strange when my mother’s ex co worker (only a few years older than me), friended me. I’m not even that interesting.
I once put on my status that I was considering moving to Memphis (that’s where the beau is) and my friend told me an ex co worker (married and too old for this) came up to her and asked her why I wanted to move. What’s wrong with people?
I’m with you Slim, I’d prefer people to learn about me from my mouth. Facebook is for fun and for keeping up with friends/ old classmates bc I am not a huge fan of talking on the phone. People put entirely too much weight on social networking sites and too much of their business out there.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:13 am
“I found it strange when my mother’s ex co worker (only a few years older than me), friended me. I’m not even that interesting.”
For some reason, I found this pretty funny. Like my shoulders were bouncing with laughter. My very brolick shoulders.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
LMAO!!! Slim, u crazy. I’m for real.
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Streetz: Mr Write Now Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 am
Whats your fb url? We need some Thursday Eye candy. lol
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 am
Streetz: U should friend me. I have a lot of blogger friends on there.
facebook.com/NickiSunshine.
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Streetz: Mr Write Now Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Yeah.. Bloggin.. just what I had in mind… THANKS!
**Diddy Bops and composes “How long u had that man problem” side msgs**
LMAO
@Slim, respect my E-game lolol
JOKES!
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Sounds like Streetz wants to do more than “expand his network”.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:57 am
LMAO! I’ve been told I was slow az he!! picking up on that stuff.
womp womp wahhhhh
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RightCoastLexSteele, The Crown Jewel Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:20 am
“For some reason, I found this pretty funny. Like my shoulders were bouncing with laughter. My very brolick shoulders.”
Shameless self promotion.
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Streetz: Mr Write Now Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Can you hear me now? Good!
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Streetz: The Palm Pre Prime Minister Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
LOL! Nikki be the type of girl to say “I didn’t think he wanted to have sex after inviting me up for coffee. I just thought he liked coffee!”
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
SHADDUP!!!!! Dang, I have been like that.
Thank GOD I’m out the game. I be takin’ Ls trying to go for face value all the time.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
btw, I know you talkin about a smart phone…but there’s something that just isn’t right about a man calling himself the Palm Prime Minister. Sounds like umm…yeah. I’m petitioning for a name change.lol.
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Streetz: The Ghost in the Machine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
LOLOLOL whtever slim the ish says palm PRE lololol
I changed my ish anyway lol
@Nikki – that sounds like G. I commend you Pimparella
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
“@Nikki – that sounds like G. I commend you Pimparella”
LMBO. I wish! Maybe I’d have had more bills paid by them.
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I get my news from both twitter & actual news sites, I dont rely heavier on one over the other.
Fb is fun..draining, but fun. I have a lot of friends who dont live in close proximity so I keep in touch that way..so a lot of my personal crap is on there- whatever..I’m no one special (yet)
The only personal crap that I shun putting on fb is my relationship status & pics of babies. I dont have any children yet, but when i do I may only put 1 or 2 pics up and they will be set to private…i have a friend who posted pics of her newborn right after birth…to each his own right?
with the relationship status…i value privacy in a relationship…you wont see my relationship status posted, sorry..that could change if i happen to get engaged or married…just maybe.
I’ve never had an SO gets offended or demand to have the relationship made public…if its a new relationship..what for? It probably wont stop the naughty messages to your inbox or on your wall..it may encourage them? Until I’m locked in I’m pretty much a free agent…my SO has just secured the top spot on the waiting list.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
“I’ve never had an SO gets offended or demand to have the relationship made public…if its a new relationship..what for? It probably wont stop the naughty messages to your inbox or on your wall..it may encourage them?”
People like to be lulled into a false sense of security. I don’t trust any man despite what booski has in her relationship status. If she changes her pic and then suddenly a few men come out the woodworks to write on the wall, I know what that is. I know exactly what that is.lol.
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Nyela Goodness Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
“If she changes her pic and then suddenly a few men come out the woodworks to write on the wall, I know what that is. I know exactly what that is”
LOL
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Black and Trapped in Toronto Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
yes and no on that one. I had a bf who had almost all female friends on his fb..”they are all from highschool boo” (umm ok) love struck me let it slide..but then the relationship also started to slide.
then i have had a particular “friend” who is a known ladies man, and particularly easy on the eyes…every stupid little status update is followed by 50,000 likes and yes-man comments by females & occasionally males…not neccessarily overly flirtacious but well just friendly…
It really doesn’t bother me…we joke about it & i also receive flirty messages of my own but its like wtvr…my friendship with those males who make those kind of comments is just that -a friendship.
I think the key thing here is consistency..i’d rather see a consistency of those type of comments than have them hidden from me. what really matters to me is what your time & relationship with that person is like..and I like to let it all hang out…i want to see/hear about the chicks trying to get at you & in turn you’ll hear about the dudes trying to get at me..thats just me tho…its all or nothing
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thats exactly why I don’t tweet, facebook, my space or any of that just don’t need the propaganda…I’m a very private person, if you know me in real life then you know enough LOL…….
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Regardless of peer pressure, putting your relationship status on FB is ultimately your own choice. It’s not like anyone is putting a gun to your head. I put nothing at all one way or the other. If people have to ask, they probably don’t really know me like that.
People still flock to the official news sites for truth, but they’re also trying to get the unofficial information from other sources. It’s sort of like when MJ died and it was all over Twitter a good 20 minutes before it was official. However, in these days of modern technology, a lot of journalists are getting sloppy in their reporting and taking information from the social sites, thus discrediting the media when the news is found to be false.
Some people, reporters included, think the news on FB, Twitter and Myspace is the gospel truth. Ideally, you might get some questions to ask based on reading one of those sites, but you should go to the horse’s mouth first to see if it is the truth. This especially applies to reporters. The first rule of journalism is to ensure the accuracy of the facts one is conveying to so many people. FB doesn’t give you that guarantee.
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As far as using facebook/twitter for news…i may see something news related on a status…but i’ll go and verify the source for myself…i can’t rely on gossip alone…i am a skeptic to the CORE…sorry…
I’ve seen how sites like facebook and myspace destroy relationships…it’s so dumb…i have had some of my girlfriends become obsessed with checking out the pages of the guys that they are talking to or dating seriously…everytime they see a post from another female they immediately start doubting the nature of the “relationship” and wondering who this chick is and why she is contacting “her” man even if it is something as simple as “Hi, what’s up? How have u been?”
I personally REFUSE to become friends on a social networking site of a guy I start dating. If we should get into a serious relationship then fine…but I make it a policy to not stay on his page 24/7 because I really am not trying to drive myself CRAZY. And who has that kind of energy and time?????
Last…i don’t put my relationship status up. I don’t put “single” because I don’t want dudes trying to hit me up for online lovin’ and I don’t put “in a relationship” up because then people start asking…who r you in a relationship with? what does he look like? how long ya’ll been dating? etc…etc…and heaven FORBID that you break-up…that’s another host of questions that i just don’t have the patience to deal with…so i leave it blank…if you matter in my life…then you will know my inner workings (well maybe not everything lol…)
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
***applause***
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Facebook blew up right as I started my freshman year of college so I guess I’m just used to it. But the amount of damage that can be done all comes down to a) how much you put on the site and b) who you allow to see it. The privacy settings allow you to block groups of people, or even just one person from seeing a particular aspect of your profile (eg, your cousin can’t see your photos but she can write on your wall).
As far as relationship status goes, I put it up because I don’t care. I personally know 95% of the people on my friends list (the other 5% are sorors/frat from other schools), and I honestly don’t think anybody aside from my close associates care who I’m going out with.
If Facebook/Twitter/MySpace is causing that much drama in your life…delete your account. Drama over.
The most annoying thing was how everybody’s status blew up about Michael Jackson. It was a bit overwhelming….I had to go on hiatus for a couple days so I wouldn’t be bludgeoned over the head with everybody else’s grief.
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“I know people my age and older that deal with the same situations. They’re fightin’ with significant others because someone doesn’t want to broadcast something to the world and confirm its truth. Questions are raised about intentions and whether the person is ashamed to admit they’re in a relationship. ”
i really agree with this right here. for the life of me i don’t understand why people feel the need to validate their relationships on facebook. i think even if i were married i wouldn’t put that status on fb either. people are too nosy but they will only know what you allow them to know.
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Miss Jenkins Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 am
Word.
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“I’ve actually had chicks of relationships past get upset with me for not confirming on social media sites that we were actually together. They became focused on figuring out why I didn’t wanna post it and determining if I was secretly tryna do greeze even tho I ain’t no Crisco ass dude”
You ain”t neva lie! I had the same deal where I received constant pressure to change my status on my space or facebook. This chick was so focused on me changing that status that any chance she got she would mention this. I’m happy that relationship ended, as that was too much for me.
The social networking sites are good for just socializing and catching up with old classmates and coworkers etc. I’ve seen people literally put every detail about their life on these sites. I read their profiles and wonder what are these people thinking. I mean do we really want to put our business in the Skreets like that! If that’s not enough what about Identity theft, easily if you are really interested you can find out enough information on a person to steal their identity. “Tone it down people.”
It’s frightening to think that the news and other major sources of somewhat credible information is going to be further diluted because they’re considering obtaining Information from social networking sites. It is a pity that we already get only the information that people want to know. A lot of the actual truth is hidden from us, not only because the truth hurts but some believe or not don’t want to know about the Nitty Gritty bad things that are really happening. It is just too much for them so they would rather the waterdown version that is not as bad. IE: “ The War in Iraq” ( I know a lot of friends in the Navy, Marines, Army, Law Enforcement, Correction Officers and so on. During the high point of the war a lot of images and info broadcast on the news was spun to make us think that we were there find weapons of Mass-destruction and or oil. However just kicking it with friends whom are in the Arm forces made it clear to me that this war was not so much for oil but for Capitalism. Capitalism the people who are involved are trying to put super Walmarts, KFC’s, and other chains into Afghanistan, and other places where this would not have been possible before. ) I am an avid reader of CNN, Reuters, News week and other online news site, but every time I read something I wonder how valid is this information. It’s funny we almost live in a bubble, like a real live Truman Show.
I’m particularly interested in what Miss Jenkins and the ladies opinions are on this topic.
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Anyone else notice how much CNN has been ODing with the social media sites?? If I see them pan into a computer screen referencing a twitter status again, I swear…
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::flies in with cape and freshly permed hair flowing in the wind::
I think we are too old to be putting our personal business in the Internet streets. I don’t know about yall but I have a career to protect.
Women who get their granny panties in a bunch because a man hasn’t changed his FB status to tell the world about their relationship is likely to have some other issues, the least of which is the status issues.
When it comes to CNN and other “reputable” news sources turning to tweets and what not, it has its benefits. But Twitter should NOT be used as the end all citing reference. For the Iran situation, I saw the pluses, but I’m not tuning in for my local weather and traffic report.
And I hate gossip. Friend gossip, celeb gossip…it all annoys me. So I stay away from that stuff.
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RightCoastLexSteele, The Crown Jewel Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Got a new box perm?
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D Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
why you lyin…we gossip all the time yo. that’s what we do!
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I dunno. I don’t think I’ve shared too much of myself via these interent sites but…who knows. I’m not on Facebook or Myspace but, I do have a Twitter account. But usually, my tweets are very abstract and random so even though they share certain aspects of my life it’s not every hope, dream, feeling or emotion.
My theory with social networking sites is that they are like anything in life. It’s what you make it. If you make Facebook your bible then, you will obey its commands. If you think Twitter is a reputable news source then by all means follow the best tweeters.
However, as I write this I must say that I am guilty of thinking that I guy I really like is in a relationship SOLEY b/c of his Myspace profile. Now mind you, I’m not even on Myspace so, this investigation came thru my friend’s profile (don’t judge me for my stalkerish ways…I haven’t seen him in 4 years…what’s a girl to do?) There are no pics of him and this chick and he emailed me a month ago saying he was coming to my city but, the weekend came out and went and I never heard from him. So of course my mind…went into the direction…well, he’s got a girl cuz you know his Myspace profile said so.
Don’t act like I’m the only y’all.
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IM BACK FINALLY!!!!!!
I have my relationship up on the jawn but that’s cuz i felt like putting it up there, no pressure at all. I think the S.O. saw it as a good gesture. With that being said, there are like 3 pix of me and her up on the book, we just dont be putting stuff up on there like that. I also often go weeks without signing on the book and usually only sign on when I get tagged in a pic. If it wasnt for twitter I dont think I would have changed my facebook status in weeks.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:12 pm
welcome back. tell your job to stop hatin on the site!
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Cheekie Reply:
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:13 pm
How in the world did you escape the
plantationjob block? My job is STILL blocking me from this site…and it’s the only one I can’t access, too.I’m gonna try again tomorrow.
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I don’t have my relationship status up on FB. But I remember when I removed the “single” tag so it doesn’t say anything, the Newsfeed reported that “N.I.A. is no longer single.” some of my female FB friends all wanted to know who is the new guy…and my male friends were all “what happened, dang, so it’s like that now?” LOL!! i didn’t respond to any of it. which just made them more curious. Hilairous!!
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Does anyone notice how more girls get upset with the relationship status not being up? The dudes never care…and ladies, if you meet a dude that does want you to put up your relationship status on there, he’s either 1. lame 2. emo or 3. crazy…so RUN!!!
And I gotta admit, I will change my birthday on there from time to time to see what response I get…I once had 2 birthdays in 2 weeks! Only my sister and besties caught on…lol (hey I wanted some attention!)
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