A double-edged sword.

You may remember I initially had quite mixed feelings about blogging. As it turns out, I still do. I am continually discovering new and interesting blogs written by the most everyday of people, yet I remain somewhat reluctant to emerge myself fully in this unfamiliar and oh so public world.

I have been devoting more time than is probably necessary lately to debating the merits of social media. Or more precisely, our current addiction to social media. Is this a passing phase, a patch of time on which we will look back fondly, but with barely disguised horror at that which we once deemed appropriate to share with the masses (19th birthday photos anyone?), or is this simply a transition into a more open, though not necessarily honest, way of living? I can say, with only a slight shudder, that I am now old enough to remember a time Before Internet. I'm quite glad I escaped the social perils no doubt associated with navigating Facebook through high school, and remember well the butterflies involved with ringing a friend's home number (yes, actual landline) and hoping against hope their older brother didn't answer. Now though, I can unfortunately admit that I am as addicted to social media as any self-respecting Gen Y would care to admit.

It starts with scepticism. Why would I need that, what will I do with it, when will I have time for it? First enticed by the pretty colours of MySpace, I added a few photos and debated the merits of one background song vs another. Then Facebook came knocking, what do we need that for, a friend and I asked, too confusing, too much work. University life soon convinced us otherwise and away we were swept again. A quick scan of my current tabs soon confirms I've been wooed time and time again.

I blame my phone. My iPhone to be precise. No longer shall we patiently wait five minutes for our bus to arrive, or our dentist appointment. Why wait patiently when you could organise a lunch date, upload a photo and catch up on Kate Miller-Heidke's backstage antics all at the same time? Of course, therein lies the benefit of social media, and also the addiction - convenience. I very much enjoy this convenience, the chance to learn something, to grab just a little bit more out of an already packed day, but at the same time a small part of it does not sit easily with me. Should I be worrying more about experiencing the moment, the present, instead of reading about it?

I am certainly not the first to have such worries, and surely not the last. Perhaps instead of worrying, it is enough just to be wary of it and treat social media for what it is - a chance to make real life more interesting, more engaging, and not, rather, to replace it.