Social Media Scrooge

Citizens of Earth have lived through many ages – the Stone Age to the Middle Ages to the recent Space Age.  Currently, we’re in the Computer Age, also known as the Information Age.

Maybe it should be called the Social Media Age.  Facebook.  Twitter.  YouTube.  Pinterest.  LinkedIn.  So many social networking sites that connect us with people and information!

I often go on Facebook to learn all kinds of news about my friends and family.  At this time of year, I’ve noticed many status updates about Christmas preparations.

I’ve also noticed harsh criticism for those who like to decorate early.  In mid-November, I was shocked by the mean-spirited comments several people made after a friend posted a picture of her newly-decorated Christmas tree.

Seriously?  Of all the things to grouse about, people are choosing to get upset about decorating a Christmas tree?  Annoyed by someone wanting to enjoy the holiday season by starting early to avoid the rush and panic?

Let me explain something about Christmas:  It takes a lot of preparation and work.  You know that saying, “the magic of Christmas”?  Well, it doesn’t refer to waving a wand and having everything come together on its own.  The tree doesn’t decorate itself.  The presents don’t wrap themselves.  The turkey doesn’t remember to defrost itself and jump into the roasting pan.

Who takes care of those things?  The same person who set up her tree early and paced herself so she could keep the spirit of peace, good will, and cheer throughout the holiday season.

Don’t knock it, Scrooge.

Too Much Info

At first I thought the trend to put decals representing family members on rear vehicle windows was a cute idea.  But when I considered buying some for myself, I realized it was a bad idea.  Why would I want strangers to know how many family members, including pets, rode in my vehicle or lived in my home?

Consider the following:

Someone sees your vehicle with 6 stickers on the back:  mom and dad, 2 boys, 1 girl, and a dog.  He follows you home and learns where you live.  Later, he watches from a safe distance while a teenage girl rings your doorbell.  A few minutes later, mom, dad, 2 boys, and a dog leave.  Now Mr. Rapist knows only a babysitter and your daughter are home.  Too much info.

Someone sees your vehicle with 3 stickers on the back:  mom and dad, and 1 boy.  He follows you home and learns that you have a big house, two vehicles, and an RV.  He realizes that a wealthy family with one child is more likely to have expensive furniture and electronics inside.  So Mr. Burglar waits for mom, dad, and son to leave the house then strikes.  Too much info.

Someone sees your vehicle with 5 stickers on the back:  mom, 3 girls, and a cat.  He follows single mom into the grocery store and strikes up a conversation with her in the kitty litter aisle.  Before long Mr. Pedophile is dating mom and knows he’ll soon have access to 3 daughters.  Too much info.

It turns out those cute stickers that display our family pride are a security risk.  They simply give out too much information.  Maybe I’m being paranoid but if I ever buy them, it’ll be 5 men and 12 dogs that never leave the house.