Passage of time

I am not on any popular social media platform.  There are several reasons for this. Firstly, I am a very private person. I also cringe if I say anything about myself publically. I do not think there is any educational or entertainment value for any of my opinions about anything. Secondly, I do not see a need for such platforms as a tool for socializing. I prefer to talk to people directly either in-person or by phone, if a need arise. I think the social media connections often give a false sense of belonging. 

Of course, I value its role in communicating a message to many people simultaneously. But seriously, how often do we do it for something meaningful?  That is a debatable point. For me one benefit of not being in constant contact with friends and social connections are the element of surprise you get when you see them after a long period of hiatus. I recently got in touch with many of friends after almost 20 years. It was interesting experience. A constant update of every development in people lives make it difficult to appreciate the magnitude of changes that happen in life, both in the physical appearance and also in the life situations. I did not miss any important event or information by abstaining from the social media. But, my interactions with whoever I met or spoke with were more intense, meaningful and interesting. So many things to say, so many updates about small events happened in life. 

By removing myself from the daily updates and interactions, I was able to distance myself from the old memories and perceptions about people. When I listen to people, when I learn about accomplishments they made in their lives, I am able to appreciate the wrong judgements I had about a few folks. Our perceptions about people get solidified when we interact with them on a regular basis. Many times, there is a set pattern of interaction and response develop in relationship. We typically do not deviate from this pattern. However, 20 years is a long enough time to break this routine. The relationship become fresh. Or, it is possible that the relationship did not go stale, by catching the moss and dirt from the routine.

Twenty years is a long period in human life. The world has changed a lot between 2003 and 2023. The technology, socioeconomic dynamics, poltitics, lifestyle have all changed. The youthfulness and exuberance of the 20's has given way to maturity  and detachment of the middle age. Almost all of us have become parents of teen-aged kids. Life has found its own flow and rhythm, for most people. All these life events will happen, regardless of social media or technology. The laws of nature remains the same. In another 20 years, almost all my friends would be retired. We would be senior citizens, grand parents, oldies. Some of us might die. New generation might push us out of the way. The circle of life will continue. What is the point of all these drama? Probably nothing. Life is nothing by a grant opera performed in front of celestial powers. All operas, has to end at one point. The stage has to be cleared for new ones. The show must go on.