The Social Network (The Modern Monster) | Teen Ink

The Social Network (The Modern Monster) MAG

January 27, 2012
By AngRodrig GOLD, Pembroke Pines, Florida
AngRodrig GOLD, Pembroke Pines, Florida
10 articles 0 photos 4 comments

A generation where conversations are rarely held by word of mouth
But what do you expect?
Computers block the path from one person to the next
Distance is no match for these machines
Each of us has been infected by the disease
Friend requests over friendships
Gaining followers is all that matters
Hey, hi, how are you
Ignorance is bliss
“K” is not a word
“Love you!” but do I?
Meaning hides behind the print on the screen
No feeling, no expression
Our intentions are all masked
Post after post, no one can stop reading
Queen of the world, the Internet reigns
Respect of privacy? Of others?
Social networking has no mercy
Thoughts unleashed, consequences forgotten
Under 140 characters is all it takes
Vultures claw at the keyboard, preying on those who are different
Words are the ultimate wound
X-rays don't show sign of this kind of damage
You might not realize the effects of your next status
Zero characters remaining; maybe you should rephrase that


The author's comments:
This is an ABECEDARAIAN poem inspired by what I have noticed about technology's effects on our generation through my own social networking experiences. I hope that this poem makes you re-read your next tweet or status before posting as well as think of your intentions. Nothing can ever be permanently erased once online.

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This article has 6 comments.


Anon said...
on Apr. 13 2016 at 8:19 am
I feel the author is too extreme. Social networking does not eliminate social constructs, quite the opposite, it makes it easier to build on them. Maybe it helps a shy person test the waters with anonymity, or more commonly, it will show you people of similar interest. The poem also mentions "vultures claw(ing)at the keyboard, preying on those who are different", a reference to "Internet trolls". Personally I feel these people are not really as harmful as they are made to sound here... most websites include the option to mute posts, or block certain users. Staying "emotionally safe" is much easier than the author makes it seem. Although I disagree with the message of the poem, I would like to compliment your writing, as it flows very nicely off the page. You're a very talented writer.

on May. 2 2015 at 10:03 am
this is really good

AngRodrig GOLD said...
on Feb. 13 2012 at 9:47 pm
AngRodrig GOLD, Pembroke Pines, Florida
10 articles 0 photos 4 comments
I totally agree! Thank you for supporting my work

Likeminds said...
on Feb. 7 2012 at 7:36 pm
Finally, someone that understands why I do not have a Facebook, Twitter or other such accounts. While the Internet has many positive aspects, the ability of users to do damage is terrifying.

blessed3 said...
on Feb. 6 2012 at 8:20 am
Beautiful and so poignant...continue writing you are gifted!

Babylouie said...
on Feb. 3 2012 at 3:32 pm
Wow!!! So poignant and beautifully written!!!