Friday, July 11, 2014

A Whole New World.

I don’t know about you but I am fascinated by people. If I see a crowd I think about how each of them has their own story. I wonder about people that I used to know. Where are they? How did their lives turn out? In the old days, I’d would have had to ask around and my only other real resource would have been the telephone book. And that would have just given me an address and phone number. Not the information I crave.

But the Internet has changed all that. Wonder what some old friend looks like? Type in a name and the word photo and hit search and see what comes up. Admittedly, a lot of the pictures aren’t who you looking for and seem so removed from even the name you’re searching, you wonder why they come up. Then you have to be able to recognize who you’re looking for. A bunch of years can make a big difference in people’s appearances, or not.

Just because I’m curious about someone doesn’t mea n I want to connect with them. Particularly old boyfriend. Still I’d like to how they ended up. It is easiest if the person you’re curious about blogs or has a website. But if they have neither, there is always Facebook. If they don’t have a privacy setting, you can look at their information, posts, pictures, bio, etc. It feels a little like being a peeping Tom. There you are reading all about them, seeing who their friends are, all while the person has no idea.

I had some time on my hands today, translated that means I was supposed to be writing, but I got restless. I found a whole slew of people I used to know. Interesting that one guy who was going to be a doctor turned out to be a fine art photographer. Another who wanted to be involved with film, seems to be doing it. Another person left the country and has been teaching there for years. Then there were a few people where nothing showed up. It makes you wonder.

Not everybody is on Facebook. In that case there is Whitepages.com,. They’ll give you a list of people with the same name, along with where they live and how old they are. Another feature is showing people they are related to. Then it’s up to you to figure out if any of them are who you’re looking for. If you want to spend some money you can get more information. I’m just curious, not obsessed, so that is where I drew the line.

Of course, there’s always the chance that someone is doing the same to me. We live in a different world now.



9 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree that the internet helps tap into the inner Nancy Drew when it comes to researching people. Good for the mystery writer, and also good for a chuckle!

Betty Hechtman said...

Diane, it is amazing what you can find out about people. Of course, it helps if you can read between the lines.

Linda O. Johnston said...

There are so many resources on the Internet that I know I could spend all my time researching people and places and things of interest. For stories, of course. But finding old friends or acquaintances... yes, I have to admit I've spent some time at least trying, Betty.

Planner said...

I think the people in your past would be honored that you still think of them and would take the time to look them up online.

Betty Hechtman said...

Planner, they might be flattered or creeped out.

Connie said...

Indeed. If we want to know what our old friends doing, just search for them at Facebook. Of course I'll be flattered is my old friends add me in Facebook. Brings back memories.

Lynn Cahoon said...

I just looked up my ex husband. Now I'll have nightmares for a week. :)

Betty Hechtman said...

Connie, Facebook has changed everything. It is a great way to make casual contact.

Betty Hechtman said...

Lynn, I can imagine it would be weird to read an ex husband's posts.