Social Networking Delusions of Grandeur

megalomania – a psychological state characterized by delusions of grandeur

I am truly convinced that the Internet & Social Networking sites caters to those that suffer from Delusions of Grandeur. I’m sure everyone has came across those types that fit the above definition, now more so on the Internet than ever, thanks to Twitter, Facebook & Myspace. You have those people who get a few followers, gasp dare I say it ‘fans’ and their ego grows enormously. Their Twitter & Facebook updates usually consist of only one subject:

Themselves.

I wonder if certain people actually wake up in the morning with new status updates circulating in their heads. I wonder if they already have their Twitter updates written out, and if they actually concoct updates just to add shock value to their seemingly ‘grandiose’ online life, to offset the fact that offline, it’s anything but that. I mean seriously, how many times a day do these people sit online googling themselves and actually get excited to see their search results?

Megalomania much?

At first I wasn’t a fan of Facebook, but because of my upcoming 15 year class reunion, I’ve become a lot more active on it.  I’ve even written about the disdain I’ve held for “FB” but because of a few people I’ve been able to reconnect with, the disdain has faded a little.  It’s proven to be a  good tool with catching up with people that I haven’t seen in years and to read about what they’ve been up to. But as with any social networking site, it seems as though everyone is  attempting to ‘out do’ each other. Recently, Bassey Ikpi posted a link on Facebook to  the  recent Washington Post article, “Status Symbol Update” by Patricia Beauchamp. Ironically, Bassey is one of my few contacts on Facebook, who’s status updates are ingenious at best and usually leave me in tears after reading them.

The complete article is a definite must read and it’s sure to garner a few laughs as well. I remember having a conversation back in October with Facebook’s VP of Business Development, while attending a Marketing & Advertising conference in Orlando. What I found interesting is that, he too also noticed the, “My status is bigger than your status” phenomenon going on. We joked about how even online, there are people who constantly need to have their egos stroked because maybe it’s just not happening as much offline.

With the advent of Twitter and it’s ‘microblogging’ popularity increasing over the years, so has the fact that people are willing to divulge just about anything and everything, usually about themselves of course in 140 characters or less.

“Like, OMG, I just had a triple orgasm while typing and watching YouTube! I just had to let everyone know” (of course b/c self-pleasure is the only play they’ve gotten in YEARS)

“I just sealed a MEGA DEAL with MGM, Time Warner & Sony pictures! I’m RICH, biotch!” (as they’re currently temping with an staffing agency)

“I just purchased  my new 50,000 square foot mansion!” (as they sit in their 100 sq ft NYC apt.)

“I’m sitting here at a ‘tweet-up’ and like OMG, I feel so geat & beautiful!” (as they’re sitting in the corner wondering why no one is paying attention to them at said ‘tweet-up’)

The above may be a bit of an exageration, but then again, anything is possible.

Just as Facebook has their “status symbols”, I think Twitter’s status symbol are those who enjoy having a larger number “followers” than the amount of people they “follow” themselves. I’m not sure, but I think it actually makes some people feel more important.

Delusional much?

The  realm of Social Networking is definitely running it’s course in the Web 2.0 world. Who knows, maybe in Web 3.0 people will actually learn that being on EVERY social media outlet, does not make you a Sociologist but just someone who may have way too much time on their hands.

Lisa Nova’s ~”Twitter Whore”

What happens when Facebook knocks on your door!

*Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.