Present day action leads to muse and write something. In 2014 social media still in infant stage made me notice a pattern which lead me to write Forwarding pattern .With social media now in its teenage years has started to show its attitude which has lead to another pattern emerging. Following Pattern.
With the intention of reconnecting with alumni, old friends, colleagues there are school groups, university groups, ex-colleague groups, work groups etc. in various social media platforms like facebook, whatsapp. We all for sure are part of one or few of such groups. Most would be able to relate the following: One fine morning there would be one off group member sending in a birthday wish to a fellow group member. There would be a suit of group members following that and wishing. Sometimes it would not be that person's birthday and (s)he would patiently be replying stating this is not the day. But still wishes keeps coming in.
This tendency in following a que message is becoming prevalent. The following pattern can be attributed to humans being social beings. It is a psychological need of humans to be part of the crowd. We like to be part of a group and get associated with that. Social media is designed to give this sense of security. Social media is a sweet little irritating rascal. Annoying but cutely annoying. Those with kids can relate to this. You can't be angry with them too long, will hook you back in with its charm.
Coming back to the pattern, where is the sincere thought in such a wish which was an outcome of the following pattern? Following someone to wish in a group could be considered as a lip service with a plastic smile. It is not genuine. Such namesake wishes miss deep connection with that individual. Behind the screen, the one who wishes feels I just post it which gives a personal gratification but has no worth or meaning when it is not sincere.
Remembering a person (much better if not by reminders) and sending a private message on their birthday, anniversary indicates sincerity ingrained in the wish. This approach would be more effective in terms of strengthening communication and relationship with that individual.
A step more would be to touch base with them on casual days to know their well-being. This for sure uplifts their day. Try this, call someone with no reason and have a causal chat and put down. If someone did that to you how good and important you would have felt. That is the same feeling which you would have given to the person whom you called.
Let us all cherish relationships we have and grow together as better social animals 😊.
