VIRTUAL LONELINESS

This morning I read a post on the Facebook profile of one of my friends that made me think, and inspired me to write this. It’s those kinds of things that you already know about it, but most of the times you don’t even realize. I totally agree with the content of that post, and I hope what I’m going to write will make you think about it. The title of the article was “This is the new loneliness” and it was talking about a very actual topic, how people are pushed away from reality and from human interactions and decide to live in a different world, in a virtual world, made only by virtual interactions and loneliness. But I also would like to add “emptiness”. Before you go on reading, my intention is not to criticize anyone or anything, but just make you think and reflect. As you can see, I’m writing this on a blog and I will share on my Facebook page, so I won’t be hypocritical. This is something that affects us all. Internet, such an amazing thing! You can find everything there, you can talk to people from all over the world, you can do a lot more. We’re all social networks addicted nowadays, we’re all connected. Probably we’re the most connected generation but actually we’re also the less connected. Why? People spend most of their time in front of a screen, smartphone, computer, laptop, television, whatever it is. They’re always online, they always know what’s happening in the world in real time, they always know what other people are doing in that exact moment, where they are, who is with them. Does it seem cool? Well, it can be, it’s impressive for sure. But take a minute to reflect on this. What is this? Is it life? Is it the real life? No, this isn’t. And if you’re living like this, you’re living like a ghost!

There’s much more in real life. We’re getting too addicted to this, we care more about other people’s life than our own life. We should all stop for a moment and start to think. What about our life? Is this the life I really want? Am I living it at the fullest? Am I really enjoying what I’m doing? I guess for most people the answer is no! Think about this. We all have memories. But how many of your best memories come from your virtual life? And how many of them come from your real life? I’m lucky to be part of a generation in which the real life experience was still predominant, especially in childhood. I had Internet but I mainly used it for school researches. Then I was always going out with my friends, playing football and basketball, riding my bike, or we were meeting just to spend time together. Yes, spend time together, that was enough. Nowadays it seems that nothing is enough anymore. Some people also refuse this kind of experiences just to close themselves at home for different reasons. I still have all my best memories with my friends clear in my mind, the first times we went out together, the nights spent together talking and having fun, the first time we went to a concert, the first time camping, I can go on for ages. These are called experiences. Can Internet and all these modern devices give you this?

I’m not only talking about experiences with other people even though the difference between human and virtual interaction is fundamental. I’m also talking about personal experiences. Virtual world VS real world. Life is not only what you see on your smartphone, on your tablet, on your laptop, or on television. Life is outside. The first time I decided to travel by myself, I was alone in a place I didn’t know. I didn’t know anyone, but I was so curious to explore and discover everything I could. Most people, probably the same people who spend their lives in virtual worlds, would be afraid of something like this. They would think they can’t do something like this, probably they wouldn’t even try, because they’re afraid. Not talking about going to hike somewhere you don’t know for the first time, or going to other places far from the comfort of the cities. Everytime someone tells me I’m crazy to go here and there, but that’s what I love. There’s nothing to be afraid of. This is just what is called “experience”. And every experience can give you much in terms of knowledge and happiness. Every experience makes you grow and teach you something. And it gives you the best memories! You probably know the memories function on Facebook, when the social network reminds you some old post or photo that you posted one or more years ago, that’s great. But think about it, where do those memories come from? Facebook or any other social networks are just a tool that reminds you that, but you built that memory! You’re the owner of your life! You have the power to make it the way you want. We only have one life, it’s up to us to decide in which world we want to live! And you? Do you prefer the virtual or the real world? Which life would you choose? I would be really happy if you share your thoughts about it commenting this post.

Happy Earth Day everyone!