links for 2009-01-29

Ultimately, the expectations on both sides of the equation are somewhat problematic – a tangled mess of envy, regret, obligation, narcissism, self-consciousness and desire – a fact that underscores the notion that maybe we’re not really escaping ourselves by moving online after all, but merely amplifying the aspects that define us, for better or worse.

Assuming that it’s too late to do the sensible thing and choose your “friends” carefully then like it or not, we’re stuck with each other- though we can always do the unthinkable and press “profile delete.” So if this model of sharing – instantaneous, ubiquitous and with varying degrees of significance – will form our collective experience from here on out, then we’re each going to have to simply figure out our own set of rules and adapt to the new landscape.