What Do Smoking and Facebook Have in Common?

Apparently, there's not much that could connect smoking to Facebook, but the fact that they are both used by humans and can cause addiction. And there you have it, we already named two common traits :). However, the main feature that brings then together is the social factor.

People use Facebook and, many times, the habit of smoking too as a method of socialization. On Facebook, things are simple; you create a profile and start interacting with other users and build connections.

When you're a smoker, the same thing happens, but in real life. Regardless of the place you're in or the occasion, smoking brings people together. Be it at university with fellow companions, at work with colleagues or at a party, smoking is always a good occasion to get out and socialize. Sometimes it is a solitary activity, but most often not because people who have this habit are typically prone to bound with others while indulging in their guilty passion.

I know that in occidental countries smoking has started to be frowned upon and in many cases it is rather something you might want to conceal or keep to yourself than share with others. However, in my country, Romania, things are not like this. While it is forbidden to smoke in public places, restaurants or bars, the number of smokers, men and women alike is very high and people usually don't feel guilty for doing this.

In all the groups I've been a part of, there was always a distinction between smokers and non-smokers and the first always had more fun, took more breaks and also socialised more, while the latter were confined to the office or classroom.
Not smoking almost meant lacking an essential social aptitude and the same applied and still does when it comes to Facebook.

I don't have and I've never had a personal account on this platform which ranks number one in my country. Whenever I tell people I don't use Facebook they are surprised and ask me why and how l manage to communicate with people in the absence of it. Some see me as a strange, old-fashioned, out of the picture person for not having a Facebook account, others even pity me as if not using Facebook meant not having a limb or being retarded.

All in all, as a non-smoker and non-Facebook users, I can guarantee you that there are other great ways of socializing with people both online and especially offline. However, no harsh judgements for those who smoke or use Facebook as their preferred means of communications.

images from: www.pixaby.com