Obsession with Facebook and Reality shows

I was running today and cogitated on why the mass and I are obsessed with Facebook and reality shows realizing that in fact they have a lot of similarities worth reflecting on:

Okay let's start with the perspective of the readers. As readers, we are obsessed because media like Facebook and reality shows allows us to vicariously live that grandeur life they showcase. If I can't get tickets to the opening of the London Olympics, that's fine, I can vicariously enjoy the pictures my friends take on Facebook. If I can't go to Miami on a private plane and develop my own fashion line, that's fine cause I can feel the glitz and glam when I watch the Kardashian sisters. If I can't get anyone to publish my book, that's fine, I can share Lauren Conrad's success on The Hills. This is an innate tendency we all have, before the age of information technology, we had books and plays, now we have what we call Facebook and reality shows. 

Facebook and reality shows also allow us to get the gory details and juicy gossip of other people that we crave for, we know when someone went from being single to in a relationship or vice versa. We also know who really has a sex tape (Kim Kardashian) and who doesn't (Lauren Conrad). 

Similarly, with the perspective of people who post and star on reality shows, Facebook brings people together, events and groups make it easy for people to organize reunions. Reality shows allow people to reconcile for instance Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag. Besides, when we post things on Facebook, we allow people we care about know what our life is like. Reality stars let crews come into their lives and film them so their fans could know what their life is like. 

A more humane and celebrated essence I appreciate but solely on Facebook is that Facebook allows us to read inspiring stories, quotes and pictures; the communal condolences when someone important passed away or the collective mourning when tragedies happen. This is what keeps us going everyday and keeps us together as a human race. 

Reflecting on the Facebook culture and reality shows success, I admit that Facebook and reality shows can be a platform that endorses vanity, but I also feel that it is the way we stay driven. We don't fall into complacency thinking "I'll never backpack Europe" or "I'll never have my book published", in contrary, we work harder to fulfill our goals and dreams, because someone out there already has. I think at the end of the day, as long as we're not stuck to our smartphones or laptops at unhealthy amount of hours, and we're connected in moderation, allowing ourselves to reach our potential, Facebook and reality shows aren't so bad.