I Lived to See 24

I have no idea if Coolio ever had his question answered, but I can at least say that I lived to see 24. Birthdays really are an interesting thing to me, especially ones that are not a milestone. And, let's face it, once you've passed 21 all the really good milestones are gone. After that it's all pretense and celebrating simply for the sake of celebrating. Don't misread that and think I don't like birthdays. I love the fact that there is a day every year that is all about me. Of course June 28 is not just about me. It's also a day for Kellie Pickler, Chayanne, Mary Stuart Masterson, Gilda Radner (oh wait, she's dead now) and Kathy Bates. And let's not forget that on June 28, 1914 the Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, an incident that ignited World War I. You see, June 28 is worth remembering for a lot of reasons.

And how did I spend my birthday? Well, since it fell on a Sunday this year and just happened to be the day before a sizeable Media Economics presentation, my birthday was somewhat low-key, which I did not mind at all. I spent the day doing homework, eating lunch with my family at The Melting Pot and checking Facebook for my birthday wishes. It struck me today just how many ways a person can be wished a happy birthday. There's 1) in person, 2) a card in the mail, 3) e-cards, 4) text message, 5) phone call, 6) Facebook message, 7) Facebook wall post, 8) Twitter shout-out...The options are endless.

Facebook trully has revolutionized birthday interactions. For one thing, I don't ever have to remember when anyone's birthday is. Facebook will give me two days' notice. Why waste perfectly good brain cells remembering countless dates when I can just remember to check the birthday feed daily? Also, and probably my favorite perk to Facebook, I can wish someone a happy birthday without ever having to talk to them. It's wonderful. I get "good friend" points without ever making any kind of genuine effort. I don't want to hear what your plans are or how your day is going. I just want to let you know that I am a good friend and wished you a happy birthday. Thank you, Facebook. You have found the most impersonal way to personally wish someone a happy birthday, and I love you for it. The beautiful thing about Facebook is it lets you know who your closest friends are. My best friends don't write "Happy Birthday" on my wall, and if they did they would be crappy best friends. I know the people who write on my wall are doing it for the same reasons I do it to others: because they want me to know that they thought about me but they don't care enough about me to call me to do it. (Disclaimer: If you are reading this and you wished me a happy birthday on my facebook wall, don't worry. I'm not talking about you. Just the others. You're the greatest). It's not about me. It's totally about them, but it makes us all feel better about ourselves. I get to scroll down my Facebook profile and say to myself, "Look at all these people who like me. I'm well-liked. People who look at my profile will think to themselves 'Wow, this Sam guy must be really well-liked. A lot of people wished him happy birthday. I bet he's cool.'" And I say to those people now...You're right. I am cool. Thank you, Facebook, for letting the world know and giving others the opportunity to express how cool they think I am.

Social media tools like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized communication and information sharing. Do you know how I found out that Billy Mays died this morning? My friend Brett's facebook status. I found out that Michael Jackson had gone to the hospital on Twitter. I found out he had died from my roommate...who probably saw it first on Twitter. Why do I need to read or watch news media outlets when I have my entire social network keeping me apprised on the goings-on of the world. Of course, that is usually very superficial news. But that's because I apparently have a superficial social network...Which is fine by me. I still read the news daily, but it does say something about the proliferation of social networks and the decreasing importance of the label of "journalism." Today, people can know everything that is going on in the world around them without ever picking up a newspaper or turning on a TV. All it takes is the right group of friends in their social networks. And, like the Facebook birthday messages, it allows us to share a part of ourselves with the world. I have a whole online presence that may or may not reflect who I actually am. People can exist completely online now, experiencing and seeing things thaty they've never seen before. There are people who actually make their living through their avatars on Second Life. They don't even have to get out of bed to make money.

And, let's face it, making a living is what it's all about. After all, that's how this little endeavor got started. A professor suggested that communications professionals extend their Web presence to make themselves more accessible to employers. Do I believe this blog will actually help me a get a job? Not a chance. However, a boy (maybe it's man now that I'm 24) can dream. I am hoping that my penetration in social media tools and my eventual Web site will help me reach out to potential employers. It certainly can't hurt...I hope.

It is now two minutes to midnight and thus the conclusion of my birthday. In another 364 days, I invite all my Facebook friends to wish me a happy 25th birthday and feel better about themselves for the good deed they will do. I will conclude my birthday by finding out if Coolio was as lucky as me to live to see 24...Good news: Coolio made it to 24. And now he's a healthy 45 so good for him. His birthday is coming up so be sure to send him a little birthday Tweet August 1st.