that 25 things...

The latest fad on Facebook is a phenomenon called “25 Random Things About Me”. This is how it works: Someone tags you – and 24 other users – and shares 25 random things about themselves. Then you come up with 25 random things about yourself and share them with the person who tagged you and 24 others. In short, it is like chain letters that require you to forward a missive to 10 people – or suffer the consequences, said PC World. This fad is gaining popularity, and is known as a type of meme, which is a catchphrase or concept which spreads online. Reports say an estimated five million of these notes – or 125 million facts – have popped up in the last week on Facebook. Despite the craze, some users are beginning to resent the list.

Here are 10 reasons why PC World writer Brennon Slattery loves and hates it.

Reasons for loving it
It is a rallying cry to highlight individualism in an anonymous digital culture.
No need for a 30-minute talk with a co-worker about her babies.
The irony of slamming Facebook for failing to protect users’ privacy, before taking a naked
stroll through the town.
Seeing friends share way too much information.
A perfect way to be fake and pseudo-sensitive to impress that special someone.

Reasons for hating it
Too many cliches and people try too hard to be funny.
The guilt of not sharing 25 random things.
Not getting tagged to read a 25 Random Things list by people considered friends.
The boring details.
The list is a further dumbing down of the way people communicate with one another.

adapted from MyPaper - 10 Feb