Social networks have become new platforms to demonstrate love and affection. It has now become a trend to broadcast it through status messages. In most cases they’re pretty standard and cut/pasted from each other. They don’t really touch your heart or stir emotions. Here are two examples of how they read:
“If you have a sister who has made you laugh , wiped your tears , hugged you , watched you succeed , saw you stumble , cheered you on and keptyou strong , post this . Sisters are a friend forever . Broadcast this if you havean amazing sister(s)?… love you sis XYZ”
“If you have a daughter who makes your life interesting and fun, who has been a blessing in your life and makes life worth living just by being around – copy and paste this to your status. Your daughters will outgrow your lap, but never your heart. I am blessed with two wonderful daughters….mumma loves you very much XYZ & ABC…”
And I have seen similar messages for mother, father, sons, brothers, husband, wife, grand-moms, grand-dads, uncles, aunts, friends, best friends, boy-friends, girl-friends, and even pets. I guess we still have scope to go beyond family/friends and show our affection towards wider population.
To me these messages sound fake and superficial – specifically when they come from people (I know personally) who do not even call their family in months. If you really love someone pick up the phone and talk. Send a private message. Write a letter. Or simply remember them regularly and wish them well.
Are we becoming broadcasters of superficial affection?
