Mischief and Isolation

Why try and get in trouble?  What good does it do?

There is something about getting attention from others, good or bad, that lights a spark in some people.  Most people, actually, if we're all being honest.  We've all seen someone poke, prod, kid, harass or generally vex those near them--and we've all done it ourselves.  Boys pull girls' hair, chase them, and so forth.  Girls have their own methods, some more subtle than others, and usually much more subtle than boys' (at least to me, of course).  But from where does this behavior derive?

I bet I could reach into a hat and pull out ten experts that would all have vastly differing opinions on this subject.  Mating ritual, cry for attention, prenatal isolation, developmental immaturity, "trolling."  There's always a new way to look at these kinds of hypothetical questions.  As biology, sociology, psychology, and ignorance march onward, these kinds of vague questions are dragged along with them.

I can't help but wonder, however, if it all comes down to pure, simple attention.  No man or woman is an island, after all.  When I see someone mess with someone else--smiling, laughing, playing--I see someone simply looking for something they cannot find within themselves.  They can't bug themselves.

I know when I mess with someone, particularly the opposite sex, this theory applies.  It's a reminder; I'm here, and I'm not feeling a connection with those around me right now, not enough of one at least.  Pay attention!


I think upon this as I post baiting messages on Facebook.  I seek a reminder that I'm connected to others, and hope it gets me attention.  I am not alone in doing this.  In fact, if Facebook has proven anything, our need for connectivity and communication is extremely important, and part of Facebook's function is to keep us connected in the easiest way possible.  You don't need deep; you have wide and easy.

There's a "Like" button on Facebook; there's even a "Poke" button on Facebook.  I think you see my point.

So I don't feel so bad, reaching out to others.  I don't feel so bad messing with my friends, or with people I'd like to be friendlier with.  I mean well.  I know that deep down I seek what we all seek, and I'll get it however I am allowed, just like everyone else.