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Farmville is a welcome distraction.
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Social media is not only useful as a communication outlet but also as a way to distract oneself from reality and the daily grind.
For example, recently the New York Times ran an article that discussed the obsession some have with a Facebook application called Farmville. This is a game that members can play which involves tending to crops and livestock. It is reminiscent of two dimensional games like Nintendo’s Mario Brothers or the computer game that had something to do with maintaining your wagon along the Oregon Trail. In fact, there may have once been an application for the Oregon Trail game at some point.
At any rate, some people have gotten so involved in Farmville that they, according to the article, have set alarms to wake themselves up and tend to various crops. The person who wakes at dawn to water their fake blueberries is likely an extreme case but after speaking with several other members who use this application, it can be addicting.
It’s worth mentioning that others can interact with your farm. A “neighbor” can fertilize your crops for you or look after your livestock while you are on vacation. That interactive element is characteristic in social media.
The game is refreshingly innocent. There is no carnage unless you countthe possibility of rotten vegetables. The draw to Farmville may have something to do with the fact that many of a member’s friends may also be playing which could lead to additional social interaction or maybe it is just a nice distraction to a long work week. Either way, I’m off to water my strawberries.
