Social Media: The First Hit is Free

Some moments stand out in the memory. The first kiss with someone new, the birth of a child, the day a musician died, our life is full of memories most important to us. Two days that cant be forgotten for some are the day they signed up to Facebook and the day they let Twitter into their lives.

I rejected Facebook at first. Finally, under almost crushing weight from friends and old school mates I joined Facebook in late 2007 as a way to connect with school friends before my ten year high school reunion. Almost instantly I began filling my time with games of rock, paper, scissors and Battleship with people I haven't seen in almost ten years. The social media addiction had begun and the first hit was free!

November 2008 my partner was away at The Edge of the Web, a conference held in Perth by The Australian Web Industry Association. I cant recall how I noticed but my partner, along with most of the conference, had started using Twitter as a way of passing notes in class. Seeing a way of being able to communicate with her while she sat in a lecture, I signed up to Twitter and joined in the conversation.

Over the next two years my involvement with Twitter grew. Eventually I met avatars in real life, became involved in the lives of strangers and found dates. After an accident which left me without work, Twitter replaced the relationships I had lost with colleagues and friends from work. After separating with my partner, Twitter became company at night when the house was quiet. I started checking Twitter every 5 minutes during the household chores and even tweet while driving. Twitter had crossed over and replaced real life.

Recently, as a result of separation from my partner of 10 years and a connection with the lives of the avatars, Twitter has become the dumping ground for hear-say, lies and gossip. Unfortunately the human condition promotes embellished stories and chinese whispers. Truth gets pushed aside for a better story and sympathy regardless who those lies may hurt. The need to win support from those who happily gossip and fuel the lies for their own amusement becomes justification to make the lies bigger. The result becomes a lawyers dream where the truth is buried deep down under the pile of defamation.

My ex has been a great friend and mother to our kids for almost half my life. I've always wanted to love and support her the best I can. I feel no anger towards her and wish her all the happiness in the world. I'm excited for her and the adventures she will have in the future. I have always considered her unique and beautiful with a drive that will bring her the world.

During this week I will try to delve deeper into the peep culture before finally removing myself from the party. Leaving the party while its still in full force can't stop the gossip but I hope it can dull the conversation.