I now have irrefutable proof that Google is listening to us at all times.
During a recent trip to Victoria, my sisters and I were browsing the street vendor tables in the Inner Harbour. We were attracted to a jewelry stand that advertised stacked rings. “What are stacked rings?” I asked, and the three of us wandered over to investigate. We discussed the relative beauty and function of stacked rings, then moved on. Several hours later, my sister noticed a number of stacked ring ads on her social media. She had not Googled stacked rings, so there is no other logical explanation: Google was listening.
It does make one pause. Google asked me a year or so ago whether I wanted to see ads tailored to my age and interests or random ads that may have no relevance to my life. Nice of Google to ask. I decided to go with the relevant ads. Why see promotions for monster trucks or ziplines when I can see ads for wrinkle cream and senior cruise discounts?
I’ve decided to make retirement the best chapter of my life and, for better or worse, media giants like Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple are going to be part of it. I’ve always enjoyed using social media personally, and for the past decade, it has been a big part of my work in the communications field. I have no intention of turning away from Facebook and Instagram – after all, 69% of Canadians over the age of 55 are on Facebook, according to a social media conference I attended this year. If I ever feel uncomfortable with the fact that “someone” is listening, it is a simple matter to disable my phone’s mic access to Google, Siri, Cortana, Facebook or any other eavesdropping app that might be hovering there.
We do have control over our technology, but can we, in retirement, rein in our tendency to compare our lives to others? The Christmas season provides so much fodder for feelings of discontent. Everyone seems so happy. They have so many friends. They have grandchildren and trips to the Caribbean and winter homes in Arizona. What if your life isn’t going so well? What if your retirement photos don’t look anything like those you see on social media?
While we all fall into the FOMO trap now and again (FOMO, of course, meaning Fear of Missing Out), I like the concept of JOMO, which means Joy of Missing Out and describes the pleasure of taking a break from social activity – especially social media – to enjoy personal time. I’m thinking the holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in a little JOMO.
I’ve been writing The Best Chapter now for a year. I have moved closer to retirement, although I still work part-time. It has been a year to start focusing on my favourite retirement f-words – family, friends, fitness, faith, food and fun – and while I have made progress in some areas, I still have inroads to make in others. This holiday season, may you enjoy time with family and friends, keep fitness in mind (take some lovely, long walks in the snow), celebrate within your own faith or secular tradition, eat lots of delicious food and, most of all, have fun. No FOMO allowed!
