It spreads faster than wild fire. It is the universal sign that is an infectious bug; once it is in you, you can’t get rid of the itch. It’s something called “Pinterest.” As every other Internet phenomena, it has a verb that speaks the language of many, “pinning.” 

Now, this new web sensation has not gotten me yet, and I’m hoping it never does. As with most technology, it is addictive. I don’t need another Internet wonder relating to social media sites to distract me any more than Facebook and Twitter do. I would also like to think this of many human beings socially active today. 

“Pinning” is an action you take to post someone else’s idea onto your own Pinterest board. From what I have witnessed, this pinning thing sounds sad, in a way. “There she goes again, pinning wedding dresses and diamond rings.” Girls are posting their perfect wedding when in reality nothing gives more false hope to young women out there than fake dream weddings. I feel bad when men hear about this because most likely it will never be like this. It is just like Twitter and Facebook except in picture form. 

Feeling sad? “Pin” a depressing quote. Feeling organized? “Pin” an organizational tip. Feeling lonely? “Pin” some food porn or some smooth looking picture of Ryan Gosling. There are really no perks to the marvel that is Pinterest except for recipes and other few realistic ideas. It is the universal sign of procrastination. It seems as though not one girl out there goes without Pinterest. In fact, I’m probably the only one. Even my auto correct recognizes “Pinterest.” Nothing says judgmental like people looking at what you are “pinning” and agreeing or disagreeing. I don’t need Pinterest to post lonely food quotes that scream “fatty,” that is what Twitter is for. I do not need to look up pictures of male models to brighten my day, which is what Google Images is for. I suppose Pinterest is like any other success that has come into our lives, we do not need it, but we want it. That is what everything is about anymore, what we want, we get. Perhaps people do use it as a goal list of some kind. “If I pin pictures of abs, then I will work harder to get my own.”

I believe it is something that will eventually die out, just give it a year or two, after our parents start using it. People will keep hopping on the bandwagon and drinking this magical Kool-Aid until suddenly their moms are pinning shirtless pictures of George Clooney. That will be the end of that. Pictures of weddings and over paid clothes will be stored in only memories and Gucci stores. Another procrastination tool will ultimately come along every three years and will be the “next big thing” and will suddenly take over every homework assignment or social media excitement. It is a big endless cycle of technology and the perks or downfall of it. Will you jump on the bandwagon if not already there? 

 

Brianna Arity is majoring in early childhood education. She can be reached at [email protected].