Ptsd And The Online Social Network

[Trinomial]

Obviously, there can be a huge benefit to socializing online: whether it is a support system or an interest group, it definitely has its place.

Some forms of online social networking seems to do more harm than good, however. For example, I find myself wanting feedback on something, or just saying 'hello', or reaching out with a clever meme and often times feeling more isolated. A lot of people feel like they don't have to act human by actually being together, because they have a status update at their finger tips.

I was wondering if anyone else has felt this way.

I keep telling myself I'll deactivate my account, but part of me feels as though I'll lose whatever family ties are left. I also think deleting it for good would be the smart thing to do.

I don't go online much any more. I even use the phone. My T thinks my family feels guilty for not being there when I needed to be removed from my home life. I can only wonder. Maybe its their issues and not online socializing that's the problem. Thoughts?

 

[Britt.f7]

I think there was another thread pertaining to this, but I can't be positive.

It took me a long time to go on FB and even longer time on Twitter. When I did go on both I did not use my last name. There are certain people I do not want finding me. They may still find me, but it won't be without a lot of energy.

There are times I've thought about closing down, due to my family, not friends. I have shut it down briefly. Now I keep it open more to enjoy family and friends. Most of them have been keeping on their best behavior.

I do it to have interaction because I have been isolating myself. If no one is on, I do feel let down a bit. I think that has more to do with me.

In the end, you have to decide what is best for you. I know I've cut down on some things. I only twitter because I started a blog. With that I am not connected to any family or friends. I prefer it that way.

 

[Sues]

I use FB, but I don't expect much out of it. I think if you use that attitude, then you won't be let down as much. You'd be surprised at how many people surf pages without commenting or responding. For example, looking at this forum, you can see posts that have been read many times over, but only have a few responses.

Maybe you could try messaging someone if you want feedback.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I think the forum is a great place to socialize, get anwers for your questions, get help and support and encouragement and to make new friends. I am housebound so it is a lifesaver for me. I have learned so much since I joined up here. I do not belong to fb or twitter. I am technologically illiterate. I can barely hold my own here. I wish you the best.

 

[NarcSis]

I feel that way on occasion too, especially with fb - I will post looking for support and get no acknowledgement and yeah, it can deepen my depression. I'm learning how superficial the mainstream social networks are and am essentially using them to live my perfect fun illusion of a life.

I usually try not to "burden" people with my virtual friendship anymore.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I think there really is a problem with online socializing. I'm not saying that there aren't other issues at play, but all in all, places like facebook, twitter, etc just aren't real. Yes, we're anonymous here, but I think this place gets pretty real. You don't have people posting things just for the attention and such. It's a pretty honest place, and I like it that way. I can't stand the fluff and fake-ness of facebook! I only go on there to print coupons or get a freebie. And my friends list is just a mish-mash of people from my past that I may want to contact at some point in the future.

 

[Trinomial]

I have to agree with you guys about fb. It's shown me the shallow, ugly side of people. Not to mention the complete loss of privacy. I was also thinking of downgrading to a dumb phone so I don't waste so much time burning out my retinas!