Weekly Health Blog Returns: My Thoughts on Facebook

The social media hype: Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (what’s that?) are going to change how we communicate, get news, and live. Okay, sure. But remember you weren’t born with a Facebook profile.  Real life, with all its joy and pain, is happening right now. Your human connections and this moment are more important than your status updates (this 3 minute “Antisocial phone tricks” clip makes it clear).

But isn’t that link and this blog “social media?”  Yep, you caught me. Social media does have advantages. During the Santa Barbara Jesusita fire last year, I found out we were being evacuated 10 minutes before we got the reverse 911 call. How? Twitter.

I’m not saying Facebook is bad: In fact, please do become a facebook fan of UCSB Health Education, or follow us on Twitter.

But, once a day, put down your cell phone and resist updating your status. Instead think about what you are doing, thinking, and feeling. The moment, thought, and feeling will pass. But you will have really experienced it, not just updated it.

It’s so good to see you around campus and at the beach. Welcome back, Gauchos.

Michael Takahara is a health educator at Student Health. Post your comments, suggestions, questions or your wellness tips here, e-mail Michael.takahara@sa.ucsb.edu, Facebook, or Tweet him.

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Flu tip for the week:  Get you flu shot ASAP. For UCSB students on SHIP (Student Health Insurance Program), the cost is covered, and for the first 1,000 students without SHIP, it’s covered.  For updates on the flu and clinic locations around campus visit our website: http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/

Student Health – Students
Classroom 1 & 2
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Friday 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Campus – Students
10/15  |  5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  |  San Clemente Center
10/20  |  11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  |  Out front of UCEN
10/21  |  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  |  Santa Rosa Dorm (Santa Rosa Classroom)
10/28  |  2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  |  Library
10/28  |  9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.  |  Ortega Dining Commons
10/29  |  5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  |  Portola Dining Commons
11/04  |  11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Carrillo Dining Commons
11/04  |  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  |  San Nicholas Dorm (In Formal Lounge)

2 Responses to “Weekly Health Blog Returns: My Thoughts on Facebook”

1. Justine Blevins says:

   September 25, 2009 at 9:50 am

   Hi Maka,

   I saw on Facebook that you had posted this blog It is nice to hear a voice of reason and sanity above all the hubbub. What you say is a very important reminder of priorities. Have you seen the research that correlates higher feelings of depression with longer time spent in front of a computer screen ??

   In any case, I hope you and the family are well . I miss seeing you in person and pray for you often.

   Good Job!
   Justine
2. Jessica Oropesa says:

   September 27, 2009 at 2:38 pm

   Hi Maka,

   Good thoughts. I just became a fan and now I’m following on Twitter. It’s funny how the world works sometimes (: