Over-documentation

We, as first worlders, are in a uniquely communicative era. We can talk to any one, any time, any where. We document (or can document) every move of every day: what we read, liked, ate, drank, visited, disliked, viewed. This over-sharing has created a feeling of self-importance. Do all of our "friends" need to know what and where we ate for lunch? More importantly- do they care? So many complain about the level of over-sharing on Facebook and Twitter, yet most of those people don't give up the websites. So, why are we so addicted? Why am I so addicted? Is it strictly FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), or is it more profound than that? I happen to think it stems from a much deeper desire and need to be remembered, to have our legacy carry on, and to secure our place in the vastness of existence. Think of all the people who have gone before us. Men, women, peasants, royalty, merchants, shepherds, whores, politicians, nurses, everyone. They all had stories to tell, too, yet we (the current living) know little, if anything, about these people. Unless the person was famous and the subject of a book/poem/play/ballad, their stories have been lost to time.

A couple weeks ago, I was finally told some interesting (and scandalous) stories of my family. Had my father not told me, I never would have known. A series of stories would have died out after three generations. At one point, our family had five generations living. Those stories have lasted a little longer, but if I don't pass them on, they will fade, too.

I want my story to be remembered, too.  (And my stories... let's not forget those...)  Those stories are our ticket to immortality.  How do we live on?  Through the memories of others.  I hope this is why I am addicted to Facebook, and not that I have poor self-esteem and want people to pay attention to me.  If I just wanted that, I should become a street mime.  No one can ignore a mime, not matter how hard one tries.