Last Girl Ghosted & FB Controversy
I ordered “Last Girl Ghosted” the day it came out, which was October 5, because I was anxious to read it. I’m always intrigued by books covering topics on how the world has changed with the advent of social media and dating apps, etc.
I am not the type to go somewhere and then sit swiping on my phone. When I go out, I want to absorb what is around me. I save that stuff for when I’m at home.
People seem addicted to their phones. Many have them in hand everywhere they go. They feel the need to be constantly entertained by what is on the screen.
What We Didn’t Conceive Of:
The world has changed so much. Imagine what we’d have thought if someone had told those of us in our sixties or seventies that we’d be dealing with the negatives and positives of smartphones.
And sites like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Not to mention dating apps!
It would have seemed unreal to us then. Inconceivable. We could not have imagined how far-reaching the consequences would be on society.
Just this week a whistleblower testified to Congress about Facebook and their policies, or possibly lack thereof.
Frances Haugen Testimony:
Frances Haugen, a 37-year-old former Facebook product manager, called on Congress to take action against the social media platform in testimony before a Senate subcommittee Tuesday.
For researchers, the whistleblower’s testimony was confirmation of what they already knew. That Instagram makes girls feel worse about their bodies, and they blame the platform for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
The Facebook whistleblower released tens of thousands of pages of internal research and documents indicating the company was aware of various problems caused by its apps. This included Instagram’s potential “toxic” effect on teen girls.
Frances Haugen said during her testimony: “I believe in the potential of Facebook. We can have social media we enjoy, that connects us, without tearing apart our democracy, putting our children in danger and sowing ethnic violence across the world. We can do better.”
And so with the invention of social media, there must also be some degree of policing it to protect the young and the vulnerable.
What I’m Reading:
Back to my book I ordered and began reading last night. (The author also wrote “Confessions On The 7:45,” a book I read a few months ago. Another amazing thriller by Lisa Unger.)
“Last Girl Ghosted” Summary:
She met him through a dating app. An intriguing picture on a screen, a date at a downtown bar. What she thought might be just a quick hookup quickly became much more.
She fell for him—hard. It happens sometimes, a powerful connection with a perfect stranger takes you by surprise. Could it be love?
But then, just as things were getting real, he stood her up. Then he disappeared—profiles deleted, phone disconnected. She was ghosted.
The Possible Ramifications of Using Dating Apps:
Such are the possible ramifications of using dating apps.
I will personally never have any use for dating apps, but I do think about all the women out there seeking companionship through them. And with that comes all the pitfalls of meeting someone you only know through the prism of the internet.
I’m not saying you can’t find love on a dating app. But there are people out there preying on those who use them. Therefore we must be careful sharing our information with someone we don’t really know.
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I hope Congress does something to regulate Facebook. I do use it, but I’m angry at their irresponsible policies. As for dating apps, yes, one must be careful, but I have a bunch of friends who have found love via the internet. There’s always good and bad to all technology.
Reason # 197362 I don’t do FB…
Good evening Brenda,
I am so happy that I grew up without cell phones, and social media. I think social media has done so much damage to so many people, People think it is only young kids, girls, but adults leave Instagram and these other sites feeling horrible about how they look, what their houses looks, like etc. I read an article recently that referred to Facebook as a super power and it said it Facebook gets its own currency you will see the end of the US dollar.
We have talked about this so I won’t say much. I think Facebook has a lot to answer for. Laura
Yup, me too, Brenda.
You are such a voracious reader. I believe that people who enjoy your blog would also enjoy a compilation of books that made a lasting impression on you. I often purchase books from recommendations that are posted on Youtube. Such as. . .
My favorite books of all time
Self-help books that changed my life
Books to read in your lifetime
Just a thought
I’ll do that! Thanks for the recommendation.
Brenda,
my daughter was born in 1975 and I selectively chose when and what she watched on T.V. I also knew every friend and their parents. I am a common sense person who pays attention and evaluates the world around me. Screen time and use of social media should be analyzed and user time moderated! The number of psychological predators out there are mind boggling. There are so many activities other than screen time in this world to be experienced and enjoyed.
You’re right, Brenda. In my opinion, “social media” has turned millions of Americans into the equivalent of the BORG from Star Trek, the main reason I’m not on social media. I think for myself, I use logic and reasoning to come to my own beliefs, not what somebody else tells me I NEED to think or I’m “woke” or I’m a “Karen.” WHY do we need social media at all??? If the people we think are important in our lives won’t communicate with us through regular “old fashioned” telephone calls or email or face to face visits (masked or not), just how important are WE to THEM, hmmm? Get off social media, quit it cold turkey, you can do it. We’ll all be better off for it. And you’ll find out who really are your friends and the family members who actually love you.
I agree with you Jan
I know this “off the wall” comment will have many of you skeptical, but I’ve read that the rapid advances in technology over the past 25 years are due solely to reverse engineering of alien aircraft in our possession. Part of me is saying “oh heck no, that’s crazy!” while the rest can’t help but wonder at the rapidity of convenience from the corded wall phone to universal cell service in such a short period of time. It’s truly remarkable!
I’m just glad that Facebook didn’t exist when my three daughters were growing up….I agree with this whistleblower on the complications social media introduces to the anxiety of those years.
I often say I’m glad to have had daughters before the internet era.