SURPRISE ME!
Disclaimer: The term “check-in” will be used multiple times in this blog. Kindly bear with me!
Rohan added a life event to his timeline – “Got married to Shruti.”
You would have seen this status message or the likes, if you too are bitten by the Facebook bug. Well, wedding and engagement announcements did top the list of life events Facebookers added to their timelines in 2013. But what followed it closely at number 2, was Travel. Checking in to an exotic destination and posting a selfie (again, the word that dominated the year gone by) was all over Facebook walls.
Ever wondered, why people share where they are with the world at all costs and at all times? I have seen people use location tagging while walking, crossing the road, climbing stairs, in the lift and sometimes even when one’s food is going cold.
Naturally, my curiosity was piqued. So, I decided to speak to some friends, colleagues, relatives and acquaintances to unearth the reasons and here is what I found:
1. For chance meet-ups
So, this smart and extremely social lot checks-in to let people know where they are. And if by chance, any of their friends (and not relatives) happens to be at the same place, they can catch-up.
2. To maintain a personal travel diary
This category comprises the lazy bunch. They feel that it’s always a good idea to check-in while travelling because it serves as a diary for ‘personal travel history.’ They simply derive pleasure out of scrolling through their Facebook timelines post the trip and get reminded of where all they have travelled. (You don’t need a diary, but almonds, instead!)
3. Sharing is caring
This is the ‘well-wisher’ chunk. “I check-in when I discover some unusual/funny/unique place to let my friends know of it and inspire them to visit the place too,” said Devang, a chartered accountant who loves travelling.
4. Addiction
Yes, indeed! This group feels that it’s not just shopping, food and gaming (I’m suffering from the Candy Crush game addiction of late) that one can get addicted to. Check-ins too have joined the race as they are a pure form of addiction and nothing else. People just pull out their smart phones and check-in invariably wherever they go, without even thinking why!
5. Showing-off
And keeping the tradition of saving the best for the last, here’s the main reason why check-ins have become an integral part of our social lives. People I spoke to did not refrain from using these statements: “I want people to feel jealous when I visit an exotic place”; “I love showing-off to the world and that’s the ONLY reason I always use location tagging”; “Narcissist, call me that”; “Gives me a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to see the number of likes and comments when I post travel pictures”; “I want people to know how exciting my life is.” (Well, whatever makes you happy!)
That’s about those who derive a feel-good factor from check-ins. But did you know there are folks who consciously refrain from check-ins? I’ll cover that in my next blog. Till then, you tell me whether you fall in any of the above categories or you have a different reason for check-ins?
Illustrations created by Mohammad Asif.
Bhawna Grover Follow
Travel writer by profession, hula hoop dance instructor by coincidence, photographer by interest, and high on life by choice!
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jogarsha | on 22 March 2018
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jogarsha | on 19 March 2018
Do you use Facebook? If you have experience of using Facebook, then you will want to know all about this. I have just come across a company that is actively hiring experienced Facebook users. You can get paid great money doing this, too. Check out all the details here…it’s well worth a look: +FSGJFSGN P.S. Do you know how to use Facebook AND Twitter? If so, you are really in demand. Click below for more information: +FSGJFSGN
Subway Surfers ... | on 06 March 2018
I love to play this type of games. The music is just okay, nothing that really stands out. The same can be said about the sound effects. just want to say millions of thanks for this article.
bhawna grover | on 15 April 2014
Thanks for writing in Raghav and personally too, I can't agree more. In fact, sometimes, I myself end up doing the same and I'd like to call it addiction :)
Raghav Mittal | on 11 January 2014
I think the given points which describe why people check Facebook are exactly true!!! And I think Showing off is one of the main reason .