Facebook went down for me today. Not for long, but long enough for me to freak out, head for the nearest corner, and curl up in fetal position.
I should be used to this by now, since I use Twitter. But, I can't help it, because I am addicted. When not using an acceptable liquid substitute, I self-medicate with social media (anyone who has heard this before from a certain BFF of mine, let it be known that he got it from ME).
So I took the time to reflect back on some of my past social media addictions. A short timeline:
1998-2002: Genghis Khan Voodoo Chat
Yes, it was exactly what it sounds like (although, what does that name sound like?!). However, I was 18, had just set up my very first Web site, and somehow found this chat room. My sister and I had ENDLESS hours of fun confusing teenage boys (or their impersonators) as we took turns replying to questions, each trying to send the other sister into hysterical laughter with the responses:
HotCollegeDude: So, what do u like to do 4 fun?
<Us>: Im in a fight club
HCD: WHAT? That's weird for a girl
<Us>: Yeah, I'm the biggest one so I win alot.
<Us>: Oh, and I collect insects.
HCD: That's...uh...cool.
<Us>: And I like to bake. I want to have a business some day.
HCD: Awesome. Maybe u can make me somethn good? :-)
<Us>: YES! My fave cookies are like choc chip except I use some of the bugs I collect instead of choc chips. It combines my interests PLUS they are SO good for you, extra protein!!!
<HCD has left the chat>
2000-2002: CollegeClub
Now an online advertising paradise, CollegeClub was THE place to be when I was in college...up until I tried going out on a date with a guy I met on site. This is when I learned that the sexier a guy's online name is, the creepier he will be. This may also be the primary reason I got back together with my boyfriend.
2002-2006: The "Dark" Years
There was about a four year period where I didn't really have a social media addiction, possibly because I didn't have Internet access at home (too poor) and I got my fix broadcasting NET SEND msgs via the network at the office. Good times, for everyone except the IT dept.
2006-...: MySpace
After my dark period (when I finally decided to PAY for 
cable and DSL instead of stealing unstable wireless from the neighbors), a couple of my friends decided to join MySpace. So, I relented. I had to knock a few cobwebs out, but I rediscovered my CSS coding skills and my love of PhotoShop. My page became a glistening tribute to ME! I finally had to make my profile private, though, as the creep ratio climbed (plus, being "friends" with people I avoid for a reason wasn't as appealing). I still have the page, still check it, but it's now my "unprofessional" page.
2008-...: Twitter, Facebook, Dream.In.Code, etc.
This was the year that I really got into social media. This has also been the year that I began preaching what I practice (no, that's not backwards, I've been doing it a long time and now I have the chance to tell others about it). But, with all this networking, it's a full time job keeping up with it! I don't want to pick favorites since these networks all have very different personalities, after all...
But...I've realized that having multiple social media gives me the opportunity to be ALL of myself, but break that self up into microcosms...the REALLY geeky side goes to Dream.In.Code, the wilder side to MySpace, the professional side to LinkedIn, the semi-professional-but-still-kooky-just-not-too-over-the-top side to Facebook.
Also, with my 10-year high school reunion rapidly approaching, I hope that I've been able cut at least a couple of awkward interactions off at the pass. Because, let's face it - the things we say and do online seem a WHOLE lot weirder in RL (that's Real Life, not Second Life, you newb).
