Kuwait Times

Published Date: April 10, 2009
By Sawsan Kazak, Staff writer

Why is there a great need to blog in Kuwait? I have noticed that many young people in Kuwait have their own blogs. If they don't, they read other people's blogs and post their comments on them.

Some blogs in Kuwait serve a purpose in that they inform people of upcoming events, breaking news and just plain useful information about Kuwait and abroad. Certain blogs are politically or economically orientated and give a forum for open discussions on vital social topics. These types of blogs are great because they benefit humanity in one way or another.

However, there are a large number of blogs out there that don't actually serve a purpose. They are what I like to call "Diaries in disguise." Many people who blog have a false sense of grandeur. They actually believe that their words, beliefs, likes and dislikes are important to the rest of the world. These bloggers are under the impression that when they post about their diarrhea or the fact that they are allergic to tomatoes, they are being interesting and helpful. These people feel the need to inform t
he world of their upcoming life events, things that even their own mothers don't want to hear about.

Why is it so important to know that this blogger likes to eat while in the shower? Why do these people think that their lives are made to be published? Having a personal blog like this one is, in some ways, self-centered. It screams: "I need attention!" Why don't these people simply keep a web camera on permanently so it can document their every move? People can watch their lives like they watch soap operas.

Psychologically speaking, there must be a reason for the need to feel important in stranger's eyes. This could be due to one of two reasons. Either these people did not receive enough attention from their parents growing up and feel as though they need to be noticed now, or they received too much attention growing up and believe they are very important and everyone should listen to them at all times and in all situations. In any case, they are publishing diaries to feel more important.

Usually reading someone else's diary is a very interestingly sneaky thing to do. However, when it is posted for the world to see, the devious appeal is stripped away. If I'm reading someone's 'secrets' and everyone has access to them, then they can no longer be classified as secrets.

There are no longer any limits to what people will post on their blogs. You have people posting pictures of their entire families, naming and describing them one by one. You have people posting clips from their favorite movies or songs (Really? Who cares?). Some people obviously take it too far and post inappropriate information and visuals of themselves and others.

I guess bloggers are not to blame. Everyone is looking for their 15 minutes of fame. And I guess if you don't have talent, you blog. I blame the readers of these blogs. They are the ones that are encouraging these people. By posting responses, comments and opinions on these diary blogs, they give the bloggers the illusion that what they are writing is actually important.

In Kuwait, there is not much of a social life and spending time on the net is quite common. It is a way to reach the outside world. Therefore, I understand why so many people think they need to blog; however, it could be done in better taste.

Personally, I do not get the purpose of telling people what I found stuck in my teeth after breakfast or what my dream husband would look like. I do hope that bloggers will begin to find a purpose for their blog and not just have one because they can. The internet is a tool that has simplified our lives, we should not use it to publicize how we like to cook our eggs.

sawsank@kuwaittimes.net