A few years back the whole social media phenomenon and Facebook in particular really had me confused. I thought, “Why would I really care that “so and so” neglected to take a shower this morning? Obviously the world’s engagement with social media has grown exponentially since then.
The 1940’s
As I was touring our broker open houses today I pressed the scan button on my car radio. One of the Sirius stations that was landed upon features songs written and recorded in the 1940’s. Before I was born, I’m happy to say. The particular song that was playing was entitled, “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” performed by Fred Astaire and Oscar Peterson.
What’s This About
The title and rhythm caught my attention and, enjoying literature as I do, I decided to hold the station and listen to the lyrics. “What is this about?” I thought. It wouldn’t have taken a lot of imagination for me to figure out the story line even before I listened. It was simply about an invitation that the gentleman received to a formal gathering which he was very excited about.
Right Before Our Eyes
My first thought was, “Is the central character’s excitement for putting on his hat, tie and tails any more interesting than the person who neglected to take that shower?” Not really. Yet I suppose that an interest in other people’s lives, even the innocuous things, has been intriguing to human beings forever. It’s a diversion. A way to step away from the stress of our own personal lives. In some respects I’m sure it’s unhealthy, yet in other ways it’s probably a necessary reprieve.
History
In either respect, history does in fact so often repeat itself. And the meteoric rise of social media shouldn’t be a surprise. In fact, we should have seen it coming.
Have you embraced the use of social media in your life?
In your business?
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