Writer Unblocked

There was a time when we did not have Facebook (or other social media platforms). Before that, I remember life without mobile phones. A hardcopy letter was like a gift of friendship, a promise that someone still cared, cared enough to put pen to paper and walk to a postbox. Letters littered our rooms like confetti from heaven. There was a time … when connection with distant loved ones was like gold dust. People moved out of your life, never to be heard from again. After all, there were only so many letters you could write. Like memories on the wind, friendships faded and were gone.

The advent of Facebook was nothing short of a social revolution. Copper friendship turned to real gold. A gold that would not fade. A promise of posterity, an eternal connection to all, not just our nearest and dearest but to every soul who had ever touched our lives. Suddenly, we were all connected.

Then the groups began, online communities where you could connect to souls all over the world who shared your interests, hobbies, your passions. Suddenly we could reach everyone. We could discuss our hopes and fears with a virtual community who listened. We would never be alone again.

Then many years later, there came life in lockdown. We did not go out, except for essential errands. Our homes became our fortress. But then we opened Facebook, and all our friends were still there, sharing their messages of hope and humour. Online communities buzzed with discussion. A virtual life beat louder and louder: our only connection to the world. And a good connection, with a message of together we are stronger.

So thank you Facebook. Lockdown has shone a light on your worth, a virus has vanquished your detractors. Your founder is truly a visionary. This is how to connect the world; like a virus we can transmit infectious friendship, and the freedom to chat to whomever you choose. In lockdown, Facebook is the currency of community.

Thank you Facebook, our friend, our family, our future.