I refer to "Modern Manners", Lifestyle (Sep 12, 2010 ). Personally, I do feel that social networking has became an evidently essential part of our lives. It's not hard to infer of that from the rising number of channels you can update your Facebook status or on Twitter, be it via the numerous Facebook/Twitter apps that are installed onto our phones (another instrument for our day-to-day social networking), or servers such as sgBEAT or SMSYO that provide Facebook or Twitter users who do not with to update their status having to pay for internet services on the go from the phone (otherwise when there's no wifi connection). Such services are present due to demand from the people but of course, for the idea of Demand and Supply (which even a non-Economics student like myself can understand) stands in this aspect of life too.

The whole of crap said above is all the bring out the following point: we crave to personalise ourselves in all ways. We want to be heard in all manners, we wanna have a replica of ourselves on the net. This aspect of technological advancement is good, but however; it has expanded in recent times at the expense of people losing out on the importance of good old face-to-face, heart-to-heart talks among friends.

Credits to DeviantArt.com, Social Networking Icons by ~deleket

It was highlighted in the article ("Modern Manners") that social networking has infiltrated our lives so much so that a bridegroom can be updating his Facebook status "throughout the whole-day affair". It appears that the bridegroom have placed the importance of updating his Facebook over his wife, which is rather ridiculous. However, I bring across this view that we must understand that this is understandable in certain aspects. Everyone would be elated about his marriage (we don't aim to have more than one marriage, right?) and in that sense, the bridegroom was merely expressing his joy and experience to all his friends and relatives that aren't with him, or otherwise, to record this historical moment. It can been seen as an act to want to be heard and known, which is no doubt an aspect of social networks like Facebook provides and taps on, thus making them so successful.

Credits to DeviantArt.com, social networking by ~Yellowsticus

No doubt, many (including myself) behave differently online and face-to-face. This dismisses the importance of crucial daily interaction that should be made face to face, and furthermore, it is almost impossible for social networks or simply the internet or handphones to replace the many aspects/benefits that face to face interaction brings. The fact that we have to resort to using emoticons to better express ourselves in a text message or in our updates proves my point that words alone can't effective represent our feelings. Unless we write in long essays in our updates and handphones, which should be able to cover all aspects of our emotions and expressions. Even so, the social networks, the internet and handphones provides a curtain that hides our true emotions which further exacerbate the situation of the world where people in day-to-day situation already live a life that of a masquerade, often choosing to wear a facade when facing people.

Credits to DeviantArt.com, This Is Networking by ~sneak3218

The heightening figures of people suffering from incapability to express themselves vocally, thus leading to alternative platforms to express themselves, and platforms where people learn to express themselves better (such as the implementation of Project Work to help Junior College students inculcate better communications skills) are examples of how the cycle of inability express ourselves vocally and use of social networks to do so at the expense of neglecting communications skills as affected our lives.

It was mentioned in the article ("Modern Manners") that it is un-etiquette to "SMS just before a meeting someone to say I am late". I, however, have a view to share on this issue. I, personally, feel that although it is un-etiquette to be late for a meeting or change the designated meeting venue at the very last minute SMS-ing who is concern is an essential follow-up to inform of the other party. The cartoon which highlighted this aspect is obviously ridiculous and exaggerated. It is beyond my imagination (and perhaps yours) that anyone authority figure would not be able to inform those who is in concern that he can't come on time or that he would like to make changes to the meeting (venue, date or time). After all, these figures of authority are expected to have a better sense of etiquette than us commoners. Not to say that as commoners who need not behave with etiquette, but that we do have that excuse (that shouldn't be abuse) on hand to manipulate during times of need.

In conclusion...

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