Facebook & Twitter Are Turning You Into a Jerk

Experts are now confirming what most of us have been snickering about for the past few years. Frequent use of social networks like Facebook and Twitter are basically turning us into really unlikable, self-absorbed, and socially inept people. Hurray!! Basically, “repeated exposure” to social networking sites leaves us incredibly vain, with identity crises. We all think we’re reality stars a la Kim Kardashian, assuming people want to “follow” our every move. Oh, except unlike Kim, we’re as socially awkward as, say, a character Michael Cena would play in a teen comedy.

In fact, a professor of pharmacology at Oxford University, Baroness Greenfield, believes the growth of Internet “friendships” — plus the increased use of computer games — effectively “rewires” the brain.

As a result, we’re contending with reduced concentration, a need for instant gratification, and poor non-verbal skills, such as the ability to make eye contact during conversations. Hah! In other words, our Facebook addiction or tweeting impulses turn us into big, self-obsessed nerds. Awesome.

It’s ironic that I should stumble upon this expert’s take on the phenomenon of social networking, because just last night, my boyfriend was using my laptop to email his buddies about a guys’ night, and one of the tabs open was my Facebook account. (He refuses to have one.) He scrolled through my News Feed for a good 15 minutes, asking questions about “Who’s this?” “What’s that?” … before concluding, “This is all crap!!!” I’ve heard him say it before. He thinks everyone on Facebook or Twitter is just shamelessly self-promoting.

To some extent, he’s right. And so is the Baroness! We are full of ourselves, we are craving attention, and we will get stupider as a result of spending far too much time involving ourselves in an Internet life vs. our real lives. But, one thing that I think neither of them acknowledges is that not everyone takes it to such an extreme, you know? I believe it’s possible to get a healthy dose of status updating in, without becoming a sociophobe. But it is a fine line.

Do you think Facebook or Twitter is making us more self-centered and socially stupid?

Image via Jennifer Stoddart/Flickr

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Facebook acquires digital book software start-up

Facebook has acquired Push Pop Press, a start-up that has developed software for creating highly interactive digital books,
for an undisclosed amount.

The social networking company said Tuesday that it isn’t planning to get into the digital book business, but some of the ideas
and technology behind Push Pop Press will be integrated with Facebook. It did not provide details.

“We’re thrilled to confirm that we’ve acquired Push Pop Press, a startup whose groundbreaking software changes the way people
publish and consume digital content,” Facebook said in an e-mailed statement.

Co-founded by former Apple employees Mike Matas and Kimon Tsinteris, Push Pop Press teamed with Melcher Media, a producer
of books and digital media, and media company Rodale to offer in April a digital app of “Our Choice”, a book by former U.S.
vice president Al Gore, on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The ideas and technology behind Push Pop Press will be integrated with Facebook, giving people even richer ways to share their
stories, Matas and Tsinteris said on the website of Push Pop Press. “With millions of people publishing to Facebook each day, we think it’s going to be a great home for Push
Pop Press,” the founders said.

There are no plans to continue publishing new titles or building out Push Pop Press’ publishing platform that was in private
beta. Gore’s Our Choice will however remain available for purchase, and future profits from the book will be donated to The Climate Reality Project chaired by Gore, Push Pop Press said.

“We can’t wait for co-founders Mike Matas and Kimon Tsinteris to get started, and for some of the technology, ideas and inspiration
behind Push Pop Press to become part of how millions of people connect and share with each other on Facebook,” Facebook said.

John Ribeiro covers outsourcing and general technology breaking news from India for The IDG News Service. Follow John on Twitter at @Johnribeiro. John’s e-mail address is john_ribeiro@idg.com

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.

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