What happened to the way we used to do it?

As I scroll through my Facebook news feed, various things pop up at me: the odd news story, statuses and photos. I’m not opposed to photos being posted, in fact I love knowing what my friends and family are up to. But it was one marriage proposal I saw on my page that got me thinking about what used to happen when we had a special event and wanted someone to know about it.

When I became engaged to my late husband, we put a notice in the newspaper and sent letters or a telegram to our family members. That’s just how it was done back then but now I see my niece posting a picture of her engagement all over Facebook, ring and all.

Now, I love my niece dearly and wish her all the best, and this is a good example (there are plenty that are much, much worse and clearly attention seeking), but I can’t help but think back to a time where we didn’t have to show off our every move to the world. My grandchildren ‘check in’ to everywhere they go, as if their friends are really taking notice that they’re at yet another bar or at the beach. It’s all about image and how much you can brag. Everyone likes to celebrate their achievements and yes, times are changing, but is it really that important to show off to your mates and compare notes? “I did this”, “Yeah, well, I did this!”

When I sent my engagement notice off to the paper, like many of you out there, I had a number of congratulations but I didn’t feel greedy about how many I received. I didn’t go bigger and better in my announcement to boast to my friends. I thoroughly enjoyed my wedding because the people who mattered most to me were there and, to liken it to the modern day, there weren’t people looking over the fence, trying to sticky beak into my private life. Our generation were never ‘me, me, me’, we were happy to enjoy the moment without thinking about who we needed to impress, subconsciously or not.

Sure, it’s great to take photos and make statuses and tell people you’re engaged, but sometimes I wish it felt more personal and special than it does now. Any Joe Blow and Jane Doe can put a picture up of their new ring, dog or car, but it’s those who go on their humble way without making a fuss that I truly admire. You don’t need Facebook or Twitter to tell your life story, just live it, I say…

Do you agree with this writer? Do you think people brag too much on Facebook? Or do you think that achievements and life events should be celebrated on social media? Tell us below.