When an Earthquake Hits...

...go under a desk or stand under a door frame. NOT! That is so 2008. Now, the first thing to do after an earthquake, or any emergency for that matter, is to update your Facebook/Twitter. Last night, there was a 4.7 earthquake here in Southern California and instantly, my Facebook/Twitter was flooded with "AHHH!! EARTHQUAKE!", "OMG EARTHQUAKE!", or some variant of it.

It's crazy how attached we are to social networking. Speaking as a supporter and proponent of the Web 2.0 movement, I don't know why I'm so addicted. I've always been interested in reading people's statues. Even before FB/Twitter, I would always check the away messages and profiles of my AIM buddies. Maybe I'm just that nosey? Or maybe I'm just that bored all the time? Who knows. I know I'm not the only one, seeing how popular social networking is nowadays. You can really gauge how widespread a technology is people in their late 50's (like my dad), who is not very tech savvy, has a FB.

Some people say this overuse of technology and social networking has caused people to be less social and impersonal. I strongly disagree. They are nothing more but another tool for us to socialize. There will always be newer technologies coming out that facilitates and revolutionizes the way we interact and socialize...from the telegraph, to snail mail, to the cell phone, to social networking, it'll never stop. And frankly, I'm more than excited to see what the next thing is.

P.S. I'm disappointed in myself for not being the first person to update about the earthquake on my FB/Twitter list. Three people beat me to it. I must be quicker next time.

P.S.S. I'm not a loser that's on FB/Twitter 24/7 waiting for a earthquake to hit so I can update about it. I just happened to be on my computer and on FB when the earthquake hit. What are the odds!?