I always thought of an alternate universe as a science fictional concept. Stuff that futurists talk over beer and argue in the parallel dimension. But increasingly I have been experiencing it right here on earth.
I left Facebook temporarily 3 years ago. Temporarily because I just "deactivated" my account, I didn't permanently delete it. Yes there is a subtle nuance. I believe Facebook still has my data somewhere.
Anyway, long story short, I have been out of the Facebook world for more than 3 years now. What that means is, I am in touch with people that either physically meet me, contact me, call me, email me or somehow reach out to me or I reach out to them. I am no longer aware of what happens in the Facebook universe.
And in that alternate universe, my friends have married, gone on amazing vacations, had a happy fulfilling life, shared their toddlers taking first steps, speaking their first words and going to their first schools. They have shared their political opinion, their world view, sports interests and fiercely debated about everything under the sun and beyond. I have missed knowing and being a part of all of that. It's a bit embarrassing to catch-up with friends these days and discovering that I don't know anything about their existence in the parallel universe. They smirk at me, and sometimes look down upon me in utter disgust.
So what's the moral of this blog-post you ask? Well, if you happen to be my friend and expect me to be in that parallel universe, my existence there has been completely wiped out. So if you have some time, please let's be in touch in this realm as well!
Cheers,
Girish.
I left Facebook temporarily 3 years ago. Temporarily because I just "deactivated" my account, I didn't permanently delete it. Yes there is a subtle nuance. I believe Facebook still has my data somewhere.
Anyway, long story short, I have been out of the Facebook world for more than 3 years now. What that means is, I am in touch with people that either physically meet me, contact me, call me, email me or somehow reach out to me or I reach out to them. I am no longer aware of what happens in the Facebook universe.
And in that alternate universe, my friends have married, gone on amazing vacations, had a happy fulfilling life, shared their toddlers taking first steps, speaking their first words and going to their first schools. They have shared their political opinion, their world view, sports interests and fiercely debated about everything under the sun and beyond. I have missed knowing and being a part of all of that. It's a bit embarrassing to catch-up with friends these days and discovering that I don't know anything about their existence in the parallel universe. They smirk at me, and sometimes look down upon me in utter disgust.
So what's the moral of this blog-post you ask? Well, if you happen to be my friend and expect me to be in that parallel universe, my existence there has been completely wiped out. So if you have some time, please let's be in touch in this realm as well!
Cheers,
Girish.
I'm with you in the parallel universe.. "deleted" fb more than a year ago.. and yes I don't miss that a bit..
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't think I don't miss it. I feel like I am totally out of touch with most of my friends. But, it gives me a bit more time in life to pursue other addictions online besides Facebook :)
DeleteHi Girish...
ReplyDeleteEven I am here in your parallel Universe.
Please Remember -
"Just because I haven't left a comment on your blog for a long while shouldn't mean that I don't read them from time to time". I enjoy them...
and yes one more thing -
Did you catch up on "Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky? and
Did you get an opportunity to fly in the Biggggg One????
I think Singapore Airlines has the big one in its fleet!!!
- Sandeep Kulkarni
Hi Sandeep,
DeleteI saw the movie Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky on YouTube. I liked it and it's definitely worth a watch. Thank you for the recommendation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnrBQEAM3rE
As for flying in the A380, yeah I did it quite a few times now. Personally, I love the A350 more. I travel economy always, and I find that the A350 has a bit more legroom and a better screen than the 380, but I know that it depends on the airline, so maybe I would get a better 380 someday to fly in :)