It takes all kinds of people to make this world and virtual world is no different. There is interesting menagerie of people and connecting with them is great fun. The way we connect and interact, the way we conduct ourselves on social networking sites, reveals great deal about who we truly are.
For me, social networking sites serve as laboratory where I observe, study and understand my own behaviour and that of other people around me. My observation has sometimes surprised me, shocked me but invariably always entertained me!
The "Tribes" on Social Networking Sites
The Gifted : Well-read people, globe trotters, accomplished artists - painters, sculptures, writers, photographers, people with eclectic taste in life in general, consist this group. Having them in your buddy list is enriching experience. They are treasure and great value addition to your life.
For me, social networking sites serve as laboratory where I observe, study and understand my own behaviour and that of other people around me. My observation has sometimes surprised me, shocked me but invariably always entertained me!
The "Tribes" on Social Networking Sites
The Gifted : Well-read people, globe trotters, accomplished artists - painters, sculptures, writers, photographers, people with eclectic taste in life in general, consist this group. Having them in your buddy list is enriching experience. They are treasure and great value addition to your life.
The Adorable Jackass/Bimbette : These are generally harmless creatures. They don't have to do much except be their natural selves. With them around, great entertainment is guaranteed. They are a constant assurance that life can't be so bad when even such people get to survive and thrive!
The Humorist : Members from this clan are a MUST on your buddy list. Life seems so much fun with someone making you laugh with brilliant humour. They are innovative, witty and interesting people with razor sharp brains, presence of mind and fun loving attitude. Count on them for your daily dose of laughter.
The Delusional NRI Behenji : This is a very unique species. They are typical, English speaking behenjis, strutting in luxury brands proclaiming superiority over everybody with the sheer merit of their citizenship status. They suffer a delusion that every Indian friend is jealous of them and that very notion gives great boost to their fragile ego. Expect a lot of drama from them. If you love watching soaps, this tribe will thoroughly entertain you with its antics.
The Bully : If you thought that bullies exist only in school/colleges, think again! These are people who have some unattended core issues. Their bullying methods are indication that they need to learn basic social skills. You can be an easy target for as simple a reason as refusing their friend request or showing them their place when they try to act funny with you. Their style of abuse is passive aggression. Their comments either use code words for their target or are often well crafted, without mentioning any name. They thrive on constantly maligning people and perform the task with utmost precision, as if it is their moral obligation! Life is a great leveler so leave them to their karma.
The Blessed Soul : These are gem of the people, very content with life even when it is not always that great. They exude positive vibes, cheer and love wherever they go. There is no pretense in their behaviour, are mature and worthy of making friends forever. They value goodness and nurture it in everyone that crosses their path.
Conniving Shrew : Beneath her painstakingly nurtured cosmetic concealers of makeup and ego, lies layered insecurities, hostility and inadequacies of a person who has been emotionally and mentally bruised repeatedly. The bitterness caused by those experiences is still buried deep inside her. It is difficult to see her REAL face till you have been victim of her games. She is expert player and can ruin your reputation by spreading false stories and rumours if she finds her "friends" showing more interest in you and paying more attention to you compared to her.
Don't be fooled by her apology and begging for adding her again. No matter how smart and intelligent you are, you can't beat this manipulative woman. Forgive her and forget her once and for all.
The Narcissist Brigade : They are self-centered braggers who can't see beyond their nose. They create their own mutual admiration club where all the members pamper each other's ego. You don't need to join their club unless you have serious self esteem issues. They are best avoided!
The Fierce Competitor : Again, very interesting personality type! Social networking sites, like their life is a battle ground for them. They are here to compete and stay ahead. If someone compliments you for your son's achievement, this person will mention ten achievements of his own child while congratulating you. I guess you get the point!
The Snob : This personality type seriously believes that everyone is participating in some kind of a show and he/she is clearly in the lead for a reason! Well, the best way to deal with them is to ignore them lest they become pain in the @** ! :D
The Guardian Angels : Don't look surprised! Such people really exist. They don't necessarily participate in your threads everyday but are aware of what is happening in your life. A smallest hint of something wrong at your end alerts them and they are there to protect you, guide you and help you. They are great support system and are your TRUE friends. Hold on to them.
Frenemies : Like the title suggests, they have been great friends once but have fallen apart for some reason. Both parties share instantaneous hatred, reciprocal nastiness and conspiracies. They might surprise us by occasional flashes of remorse but nothing changes really and the common friends are compelled to witness their melodrama every day.
The "Silvers" : I love them immensely! They are senior citizens, grand-parents and they have great life experience to learn from. They remind you of your own. These silvers have seen it all and are great inspiration. By all means, be friends with them. You will be surprised to find that they are far much younger at heart than many of us!
The Fake Bitch/Creep : Do I even need to explain? It doesn't take long to know their true face behind the facade they so convincingly put on. Only thing that hurts most is the realization of time and energy we have wasted after such people. Don't be hard on yourself for being so blind and falling for their charm. It happens, even with the most intelligent people. Just shrug it off!
The Absolute Jerk : These are people who repeatedly poke you, send friend requests despite being declined. There is another type that shows their creepy side after winning your confidence and becoming your friend. They write personal messages asking out for coffee, write compliments in suggestive manner on your photographs and ask for your phone numbers. Deleting them doesn't help. If law allowed, you would love to shoot this JERK!
Life on social networking sites is not about having thousands of friends but about being really able to "connect"...........
The Humorist : Members from this clan are a MUST on your buddy list. Life seems so much fun with someone making you laugh with brilliant humour. They are innovative, witty and interesting people with razor sharp brains, presence of mind and fun loving attitude. Count on them for your daily dose of laughter.
The Delusional NRI Behenji : This is a very unique species. They are typical, English speaking behenjis, strutting in luxury brands proclaiming superiority over everybody with the sheer merit of their citizenship status. They suffer a delusion that every Indian friend is jealous of them and that very notion gives great boost to their fragile ego. Expect a lot of drama from them. If you love watching soaps, this tribe will thoroughly entertain you with its antics.
The Bully : If you thought that bullies exist only in school/colleges, think again! These are people who have some unattended core issues. Their bullying methods are indication that they need to learn basic social skills. You can be an easy target for as simple a reason as refusing their friend request or showing them their place when they try to act funny with you. Their style of abuse is passive aggression. Their comments either use code words for their target or are often well crafted, without mentioning any name. They thrive on constantly maligning people and perform the task with utmost precision, as if it is their moral obligation! Life is a great leveler so leave them to their karma.
The Blessed Soul : These are gem of the people, very content with life even when it is not always that great. They exude positive vibes, cheer and love wherever they go. There is no pretense in their behaviour, are mature and worthy of making friends forever. They value goodness and nurture it in everyone that crosses their path.
Conniving Shrew : Beneath her painstakingly nurtured cosmetic concealers of makeup and ego, lies layered insecurities, hostility and inadequacies of a person who has been emotionally and mentally bruised repeatedly. The bitterness caused by those experiences is still buried deep inside her. It is difficult to see her REAL face till you have been victim of her games. She is expert player and can ruin your reputation by spreading false stories and rumours if she finds her "friends" showing more interest in you and paying more attention to you compared to her.
Don't be fooled by her apology and begging for adding her again. No matter how smart and intelligent you are, you can't beat this manipulative woman. Forgive her and forget her once and for all.
The Narcissist Brigade : They are self-centered braggers who can't see beyond their nose. They create their own mutual admiration club where all the members pamper each other's ego. You don't need to join their club unless you have serious self esteem issues. They are best avoided!
The Fierce Competitor : Again, very interesting personality type! Social networking sites, like their life is a battle ground for them. They are here to compete and stay ahead. If someone compliments you for your son's achievement, this person will mention ten achievements of his own child while congratulating you. I guess you get the point!
The Snob : This personality type seriously believes that everyone is participating in some kind of a show and he/she is clearly in the lead for a reason! Well, the best way to deal with them is to ignore them lest they become pain in the @** ! :D
The Guardian Angels : Don't look surprised! Such people really exist. They don't necessarily participate in your threads everyday but are aware of what is happening in your life. A smallest hint of something wrong at your end alerts them and they are there to protect you, guide you and help you. They are great support system and are your TRUE friends. Hold on to them.
Frenemies : Like the title suggests, they have been great friends once but have fallen apart for some reason. Both parties share instantaneous hatred, reciprocal nastiness and conspiracies. They might surprise us by occasional flashes of remorse but nothing changes really and the common friends are compelled to witness their melodrama every day.
The "Silvers" : I love them immensely! They are senior citizens, grand-parents and they have great life experience to learn from. They remind you of your own. These silvers have seen it all and are great inspiration. By all means, be friends with them. You will be surprised to find that they are far much younger at heart than many of us!
The Fake Bitch/Creep : Do I even need to explain? It doesn't take long to know their true face behind the facade they so convincingly put on. Only thing that hurts most is the realization of time and energy we have wasted after such people. Don't be hard on yourself for being so blind and falling for their charm. It happens, even with the most intelligent people. Just shrug it off!
The Absolute Jerk : These are people who repeatedly poke you, send friend requests despite being declined. There is another type that shows their creepy side after winning your confidence and becoming your friend. They write personal messages asking out for coffee, write compliments in suggestive manner on your photographs and ask for your phone numbers. Deleting them doesn't help. If law allowed, you would love to shoot this JERK!
Life on social networking sites is not about having thousands of friends but about being really able to "connect"...........
