Are You A Digital Rubbernecker?

The term Rubbernecker is formally defined as “an overly inquisitive person.” They can also be described as nosy, meddlesome, and intrusive.

Overall, it is not considered complimentary to be considered a ‘Rubbernecker’. Most people will deny the insinuation of being a Rubbernecker and provide an excuse, although they call it a reason, regarding their hefty interest in a situation, or person, or subject.

Society often labels someone to be a ‘Rubbernecker’ when the individual is easily entertained, distracted, or simply interested in a situation infused with drama, or an individual making a spectacle of themselves, or merely an event considered to be out-of-the ordinary.

These individuals tend to be intrigued by violence, sex, carnage, heated arguments, and other unimaginable happenings and activities performed by their fellow man, intentionally or accidentally.

A typical situation which often engages and interests Rubberneckers, is a car wreck. Most people can’t help but ‘turn their head and look’, hence the phrase ‘rubber neck’, at the wreckage. Many of them peering at the ruins with a desire, small or large, to see some bloodshed or anatomical brutality.

The Digital Rubbernecker:

A Digital Rubbernecker, a term of my own creation, is a Rubbernecker who is ‘overly inquisitive’ in dramatic, spectacular, out-of-the-ordinary, and unimaginable stories, opinions, trends, and broadcasts which are plastered all over the internet, social media platforms, and news feeds.

These digital sources thrive and flourish on Digital Rubberneckers. The more people who View, Like, Clap For, Comment, and Re-Post the stories, opinions, trends, and broadcasts put forth by these car-wreck-type-sources, the more these sources will prosper. And more gore and carnage will continue to be relayed and circulated to keep their audiences entertained.

Because the majority of the world is consistently in front of a screen (i.e., smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions), Digital Rubberneckers do not even need to demonstrate the classical ‘turn your head and look’. The catastrophe is smack-dab, right in front of them.

Digital Rubberneckers have an added bonus and leverage over the traditional Rubbernecker as well: Anonymity.

Anonymity In the Digital Age:

The digital-age has provided us with the means to hide our identity from the rest of the world. We are able to communicate and engage in activities without exposing our true selves. Digital Rubberneckers are able to View, Like, Clap For, Comment, and Re-Post questionable content without apprehension or concern of others’ approval. We can essentially create an alternate personality or a digital-self that nobody can single out.

Digital Persona:

Furthermore, this digital-self can often cause individuals to develop an indestructible, anarchist type of persona. It allows for the feeling to have the ability to communicate and behave without consequence. With this feeling of lawlessness, some individuals actually contribute to the ‘digital car wreck’. They help to draw the attention of other Digital Rubberneckers; and at times, engulf individuals who are not typically Digital Rubberneckers, but have been enticed and immersed in the wreckage.

Final Words:

I must admit that I have ‘turned my head and looked’ at car wrecks, both actual and digitized. I may have even engaged in voicing my opinion about these car wrecks, both verbally and written. However, I have found that, similar to many activities in life, Rubbernecking, digital or otherwise, is something to be done in moderation.

It is important to remember that while distractions in life, such as car wrecks, are inevitable, maintaining our focus on our own ambitions, intentions, and objectives is imperative.

Besides, if you’re too busy ‘turning your head and looking’ to the side, you can’t see what’s right in front of you.

Ultimately, you might end up with a crick in your neck, and a chip on your shoulder.