I am no longer on Facebook… at least, I no longer login and scan through the newsfeed, or browse through other people’s pages. The thoughts and articles that I create on this website are automatically posted on my Facebook page, but I do not have to login to do that. My family was worried that I would be missing news and family pictures if I left Facebook. I understand that… so this page (should) automatically draw out the pictures that are posted directly to my Facebook page. It will not import generic posts on my Facebook feed — people have to post directly to my page for them to appear here. This only imports, it does not export. That means that I cannot post comments or other interactive responses to the pictures that are imported.
One of the aspects of the Facebook culture that I find troubling is the expectation of “anonymous” interaction. Posts are very brief, and not usually directed toward individuals. People want to see “likes” or very, very brief comments of approval in return, but there is no real interaction. There is a sense of feeling “connected” because we see others, and we post to the world. In truth, though, the interaction misses any direct person-to-person contact.
The attractive aspect of Facebook, is that we do get to “see” routine pictures of family and friends. Even though there is little one-on-one interaction, people do feel connected. This page is intended as a sort of compromise. Pictures that are sent to me directly will reach my website seamlessly. In return, I can reply to individuals directly through messenger (Facebook’s “chat” function), or through an email. As always, please feel free to send me pictures directly through messenger or email.