Unless you still think it’s called Facemask, you’ve probably seen a bunch of status updates about FarmVille (or it’s predecesor Farm Town) on your Facebook feeds. I’d like to think I am immune to being infected by Facebook apps, I’m usually able to ignore things like Mob Toss or Mouse Wars, but I wandered into FarmVille and I kept wandering back into it.  How did this happen?  I seem so smart.

It’s probably because I live in an apartment, and my palatial garden is more like 3 potted plants: the survivors of at least seven plants I have killed. ( Plants crave electrolytes right?)  But I can effectively garden on FarmVille.  In fact, I’m a property owner.  I have fancy pink animals that never leak methane.  Not to mention that there’s plenty of opportunities for my favorite activity: decorating! With graphics!

I guess a few years ago I would have been more embarrassed about tending a virtual garden, but it’s not the end of the world.  It’s soothing and kind of… sweet.  And I’m not alone either.  I’m noticing among my friends that the more urban their location, the more likely they are to enjoy dominion over FarmVille. Are we all feeling pangs toward a pastoral life we can’t have in our glittering cities?

FarmVille love probably won’t last forever though.  The New York Times, notoriously behind the times on technology trends, has a feature on FarmVille.   And garnering attention from the NYT this early definitely means that FarmVille is no longer a secret vice for urbanites.   I’m not sure I’m ready to say farewell to my mansion, tea house and strawberry cows!

22No Commentshttp://www.kristenszanto.com/urbanites-flock-to-farmville/urbanites+flock+to+farmville2009-10-31+01%3A49%3A38Kristen+Szanto