I am torn with my relationship with Facebook. When I began, I really just wanted to see why my students had to be on Facebook all the time? I was amazed at how quickly I was sucked in to this way to stay connected. The social media and social networking is a force that can’t be reckoned with. Facebook alone has 400 million users – for the hold outs, I don’t think it is a fad.
Honestly, I just wish I had a crystal ball to see what’s next. I love the stories behind the creation of MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin, and so on. I am also amazed at the power of these sites and their popularity, connectedness, and addiction-like draw. I thought I would be immune to its power, but I wasn’t. I was hooked, and I couldn’t believe it.
The line I found to be the most significant was in the, “Is Social Networking for You?” piece by Jack Molisani where he stated, “Perhaps I should be more specific and say develop a positive Internet footprint before you need it.” This is my biggest fear with the Internet for myself, my loved ones, and my students. Anyone can say anything on the Internet and it can impact your personal and professional well-being. Many people forget that once it is out there the whole world can see it and it usually never goes away. The sad thing is that it doesn’t even have to be true. This ‘positive Internet footprint’ is very important, because most individuals are connected and have the savvy to find information one another; however, how many actually check to make sure the information is valid.
With regards to the “My Best Day” article, the term ‘presentation of self’ intrigued me. I often wonder why people reveal so much online. This argument that people consciously or unconsciously present themselves to others as if they were actors on a stage coincides with some of the personalities or dual personalities we create online for ourselves. My question would be can we really be as authentic online as we are in-person? I think we can, but do we stretch reality a little, because we are able to craft this identity more.
I really want to try Second Life to experiment or test this hypothesis more, but I am hesitant and out of time. Are any of you on Second Life and what are your thoughts about these types of relationships? Check out the Second Life website at http://secondlife.com/ if you are unfamiliar with it.
I really want to try Second Life to experiment or test this hypothesis more, but I am hesitant and out of time. Are any of you on Second Life and what are your thoughts about these types of relationships? Check out the Second Life website at http://secondlife.com/ if you are unfamiliar with it.
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and wondered why people reveal so much of themselves on the Internet as well. I'm probably intrigued because I keep myself pretty well hidden. Since this article I thought about a close friend of mine who I've know since I was about 8, over 40 years ago. Since Facebook I've seen another side of her that I would have never know was there. She shares her interests, hobbies, and personal struggles that I wasn't aware of. I actually feel much closer to her now than ever before.
Thank you for your comments! I try to stay hidden as well. I enjoyed your analysis of your friend, because I wouldn't have put it in to that context and it is a fascinating correlation. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI also like the phrase regarding "keeping a positive Internet footprint." For some people, the Internet provides an escape from reality. At the same time, however, people have to remember that when a person posts something on the Internet that the information becomes public. People need to use good judgement in posting pictures and information.
ReplyDeleteCarmen, thank you. I am always amazed at how we tend to be more aware of the 'big brother' factor, but the younger generation doesn't appear to have that fear as much.
ReplyDeleteThe "presentation of self" concept intrigued me as well. In my own view, I think one reason why so many people have such little discretion when it comes to what the share online stems from an inability (perceived or otherwise) to communicate with others in an in-person type of setting. Another possible explanation lies in the internet's inherent anonymity. It is almost like having a cloak of invisibility. Who wouldn't push the envelope if they new they were invisible?
ReplyDeleteI find it enjoyable to read some of the information people post on the internet. Especially when people get into fights on Facebook. It seems childish to me, but entertaining at the same time. I'm surprised at people that do not have their facebook pages set to private, and how much you can find out about them by reading their page and doing a little searching on the internet. I feel the younger college students don't understand the power of internet. I have a cousin who is underage, yet posts pictures of her drinking. She also has 2,100 friends, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't know all of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments! I am also amazed at the anonymity of the internet and how it seems to empower individual's to reveal more about one's self then they typically would. At times it is entertaining, because it is unreal some of the things people reveal about themselves online. Additionally, I tend to question the authenticity of the relationships at times. What's better quantitative or qualitative relationships/friendships online?
ReplyDeleteAt a conference I helped host, a man presented on how he used Second Life at Pikes Peak Community College. I didn't get to attend, but it sounded pretty cool. There are alot of colleges incorporating Second Life. If I find the name of this instructor, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteHaving written my dissertation on post-Katrina bloggers in New Orleans, authenticity was a key word. I think it all depends on why people decide to take to online spaces. IIn the case of my research participants, they wanted their recovery stories told and had no time to create false information about their neighborhoods, etc.
ReplyDeleteRE: Second Life--I had an avatar on there for awhile, but my interest fizzled. It's an interesting space and I know many companies use it for meetings and money, via Linden dollars, can be earned, but I guess i'm too text-based to get into flying around a virtual world :)