As part of a generation that is becoming more and more technological every minute, sometimes I feel lost in the abyss of devices and gadgets that bring the world to our fingertips — literally.

Growing up, I remember walking next door or down the street to see what neighbors and friends were up to. What happened to face-to-face interaction? Everyone has the older relative that is always saying, “I just don’t understand you kids these days.”

I am not trying to come off as that guy, but really, where are we headed? As one of the least technologically savvy people you will come across, I even find myself becoming one amongst the crowd.

Today, I find myself texting friends that are a stone’s throw from my front door, or playing Xbox Live with friends online instead of huddled around the same screen together. What bothers me most, more than anything on UK’s campus, is the ever-growing popularity of Facebook.

As someone who proudly does not own a Facebook account, I am sending a distress signal to anyone who will listen. Everyday I hear those dreaded words, “I’ll Facebook you.” What happened to actually calling someone that you wanted to talk to? I know when you Facebook, you can think and plan exactly what you want to say or how to respond to that hottie from class. When you chat online, the most enjoyable aspects of meeting someone are taken away.

When you interact with others face-to-face, your true colors are shown. With no time to stop and ponder on what witty remark you want to make, the other person gets such a better feel for who you really are. I don’t disapprove of Facebook entirely. I think it is a very useful tool to keep in touch with those not around you, or find people you thought you would never here from again.

Besides that, don’t you feel like a stalker sometimes? Don’t lie — it’s OK. Everyone has flipped through pictures of someone you hardly know, finding everything out about them before deciding if they are worthy of actual human interaction. So, today when you’re thinking of Facebooking the girl or boy you like from class, take a second to gather yourself and ask them out in person. Have the courage that we all did before the Internet frenzy, and maybe one day we will all realize how ridiculous online socializing really is.

Jordan Knotts

business management junior