Unlike her friends and almost everyone she knew, she wasn’t plugged into Social Media and had no interest whatsoever of joining her friends and family on Facebook. Befriending people the old fashioned way suited her better. And it was safer to connect to people she could actually see. She didn’t trust anything online—too intrusive and dangerous.
She couldn’t believe how people indiscriminately shared their information with people they didn’t really know and how eager they were to get those “likes”. She had seen the toll Social Media had on youth. Online bullying had led to her younger sister’s suicide.
100 Words
This was written for the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields For more details, visit Here. To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit Here.
Notes to Women 
Dear Adele,
This is a heartbreaking story. One that’s all too true for too many. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
It is. Yes, it’s unfortunate that this is the reality for many. Thanks.
Shalom,
Adele
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Sad but all too often true. The online experience allows us to connect like never before, but it also makes it easier to disconnect like never before. Things aren’t as real when they’re pictures and words on a phone or computer.
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Yes, it is a sad reality. Online we are able to connect with others, even family members but it can take away so much face to face time with our loved ones. And you’re right about things not being as real when they are pictures and words on a phone or computer. My son likes being on the computer playing his games but he likes spending time with me. Social Media has its benefits but it should never take the place of quality face to face time with friends and family.
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As with everything, in the wrong hands social media can cause so much damage.
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I agree. Social Media, once used responsibly and wisely could benefit so many.
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Blogging is the limit of my social media. I still prefer face to face conversation, eye contact, and the chance to make someone smile. Social media and the “like” are an empty pleasure. But that is just me.
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I think that I can sometimes get too caught up in blogging. I’ve been reprimanded by my family because they think I spend too much time on the computer blogging. I agree with you. I too prefer face to face conversation, eye contact and seeing someone smile. Social Media is convenient and a good way to meet new people who share your interests–in my case, writing but as everything else, it should be done in moderation.
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I rode the trains and buses of New York. I learned to read eye contact and body language. I can’t tell you how m any girlfriends came from these brief encounters.
Today’s generation, I watch guys stumble and bumble because they can’t maintain a decent conversation. Social media was the final dagger in romance.
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You’re right. I remember riding the trains and seeing interesting people. I wrote a story of a guy who met a woman he was attracted to on the subway, unfortunately, he was married. Anyway, many people have met their significant other on public transportation. And you’re right about guys fumbling with words. Romance fared better before Social Media came on the scene.
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Heartbreaking story.
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It’s a reality for many, sadly.
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Grrr.. annoying in the extreme. I look forward to that hour in the afternoon of just relaxing and winging birds at pigs in nonsensical pleasure.
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I hear you. I should consider spending less time in front of the computer and more time outdoors. It’s nice to just sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, listen to the birds sing and watch people come and go.
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It is when it’s not this humid. 98 degrees with at least a 96-98% humidity… makes it very difficult to breathe for me.
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Yes, I know what you mean. It’s awful when it’s humid. We’ve had some humid weather here days in a row. That’s when it’s nice being in an air-conditioned office.
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True, social media can be lethal, but it can also be useful – even a lifesaver in the right hands.
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Yes, you’re right, Liz. It can be both, depending on who’s using it.
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Sad and awful. Perhaps young people should not be allowed on Social Media until they have done a course in behaviour.
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It’s sad that people use something that could be used for good to bully and put down others.
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A sad reflection on our times, but good for her.
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Too sad for her. 😦
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It is. I’m curious to know if there are a lot of people who feel the way she does.
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A tale of our times, sadly.
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Sadly, it is.
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Too sad for her. 😦
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Yes, it is.
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That is a very good idea to keep away from the poison that social media can be..
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Yes, it is.
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Her decision is wise. But with almost everything done on the social media space, she may become an endangered tribe.
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She seems to have found ways around having to use Social Media for what she needs.
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Very heartbreaking.
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Yes, it is.
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A timely piece and well told. In anything good and useful, there exists the downside and unfortunately our young ones often pay the price.
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Thanks, Brenda. It’s sad that something that can be used for good is also be misused, destroying lives in the process.
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That’s a terrible trauma to suffer. I don’t blame her. I refuse to give my telephone number. Well done, Adele. —- Suzanne
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Yes, it is terrible how people have lost loved ones to online bullying. The less information you share on Social Media, the better. Thanks, Suzanne 🙂
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