I WAS at a seminar last week that discussed, among other things, the differences of the behaviour of people from the different generation classifications — Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and the Millennials.
While the cut-off lines are rather fuzzy, some generalisations may ring true. That’s why I like to mark the difference between the generations as pre-computer/smartphone and post-computer/smartphone, or pre-Facebook and post-Facebook generation.
I’ve been told that the younger generation has moved on from Facebook (which is now filled with their parents who are friends with their friends) to other faster and trendier social media.
The younger generation thrives on a multi-tasking lifestyle, accelerated communications, constant connection and immediate gratification.
To them, having no WiFi is “roughing it out”. They also have a tendency to share every detail of their life on social media — from the good, to the bad and the ugly.
Some of the so-called “older generation” (or the generation between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials) display similar traits as the Millennials although they’re a little more reserved. Perhaps age and experience have made them that way.
That’s why you’ll find that it’s difficult for the older generation to share information about their medical conditions but it’s harder for the younger people to keep quiet about it.
The older generation may not want their children to discuss their illness, hospitalisations or problems in public, especially on social media.
They want to keep it all private. However, the younger generation, so used to posting things as seemingly trivial as the ice cream flavour of the day, would certainly think it “news-worthy” to post something as important as their parents being hospitalised. They’d even post photographs too given half the chance.
THINK BEFORE DOING
As a family caregiver, you must remember to protect your loved one’s dignity and privacy too. Hospital photos are rarely ever flattering. Tubes, wires, hospital gowns, and pale faces aren’t things you really want to flaunt.
I suppose if you’re taking photos of yourself and posting them on social media, then you’re quite responsible for your own actions.
But to take photos of relatives and friends who are unconscious or unaware of it and then posting it on social media without their consent is wrong.
It has been said that once you post anything in the cyber world such as Facebook, Twitter and so on, it’s out there forever. If you have your reputation to protect, you’d want to think twice before posting something that someone can dig up and use against you.
Anyone who wants to know anything about you can just Google your name and whatever you’ve posted will surface, sometimes on websites you never even knew existed.
Sometimes it could be your photos with someone else’s name. Read: Identity theft. You just can’t be too careful. There are so many mischief-makers out there who require very little to get into action. You don’t have to make it easy for them.
So when you come upon a posting of you or your loved one that you’re not agreeable with, do not hesitate to ask that person to delete it. It’s your right to ask and your privacy to protect. The same goes for caregivers who know the sensitivities of their loved ones too.
PROS AND CONS
There’s a difference between taking photos for your own archives and what you want to share with the public. These days, you’ll find “no photos” warning signs in hospitals. So you’ll have to be careful about taking photos without someone warning you off.
As for sharing your condition publicly, you’ll have to be prepared for a deluge of responses and recommendations. You might get so inundated with information that you won’t know how to respond without slighting someone.
Then there’ll also be well-meaning people who’d want to share with you some product touted to help your condition. Do be careful with such claims. As a rule, remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Conversely, sharing your condition with people may also work for you. You may be drawn into the right groups and discussions that could save your life or even change your course of treatment. It may provide you with options you never knew were available, locally or abroad.
The Internet and the cyber world are indeed powerful and fascinating with seemingly unlimited information if you know how to wield it. You should, however, proceed with great caution because it may seem to answer all your questions but lead you on an alarming and depressing prognosis.
That’s when you have to summon your common sense and draw the line. If something worries you, go and see a doctor. You may want or need to have a second opinion. That’s okay too. Just don’t try to medicate yourself.
As the saying goes: A little learning is a dangerous thing.
Putri Juneita Johari volunteers for the Special Children Society of Ampang. She can be reached at juneitajohari@yahoo.com.