I don’t use Twitter.  I’m very resistant to anything that keeps me too tethered to other people.  I’ve heard that Twittering is very addictive, and I can understand why.  I can also see how it can be useful as a business tool, another networking agent, but I want my freedom from the world.  I think it’s important to keep some distance and not become too plugged-in. 

I also find Twittering even more narcissistic than blogging.  I don’t think people care when I’m brushing my teeth, picking up my dry-cleaning, or walking the dog.  That’s my time.  Likewise, you should be free to go about your daily life without me looking over your shoulder.  We should all have some alone time. 

I’m concerned about a society in which people socialize so much that they can’t even walk down the street without talking on a cellphone, can’t stand in a grocery store line without a phone glued to their ear.  You’ve seen those people.  They barely acknowledge the store clerk as they continue their discussions, holding up the line: blah, blah, blah.  Maybe you’re one of those people.  The next time you’re driving and stop at a light, count the number of pedestrians who are walking the street and talking on a cellphone.  It’s comical. 

I have issues with people who have private cellphone conversations whilst on public transportation.  It’s rude; it’s also dangerous.  I witnessed a woman exposing herself to a group of sixty strangers on a commuter bus.  Within minutes, we all had her full name, cellphone number, and home address.  We also knew that she was leaving town for a few days.  She might as well have given us all copies of her house key. 

Does anyone pause to notice the colors in the morning sky, the glint of the sunlight reflecting from the skyscrapers, the pungent odor of asphalt during a warm afternoon walk?  When was the last time you had a conversation with yourself?  Do you remember the sound of your inner-voice?

Being alone is important.  Feeling lonely is important.  I’m convinced that being plugged-in all the time, always conversing and socializing is a bad thing.  We need time to contemplate things on our own.  Time to think!

So, I don’t use Twitter.  I’m not saying that I’ll never use Twitter.  It took me a long time to see blogging as a useful activity.  For now, though, this is a Twitter-free Zone.

 

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