Facebook is undoubtedly one of the largest social networks and online communities, with 100 million members throughout the world. It has not only become a source of entertainment it has become a way of life for many members. As Facebook released its “new” design millions of members were annoyed and protested through petitions which are evident within this article. One petition listed in the article contained nearly 1.5 million names. That statistic is astonishing, 1.5 million names over a social network that should be used for friendships and recreation.
Recreation is a common characteristic of online communities according to the Virtual Community article in our readings. However, I believe Facebook is moving beyond the recreation aspect and is evolving into a daily routine for most members. In our online unit, we read an article by Howard Rheingold concerning individuals who had become addicted to their online communities and Facebook is no different. Our generation is slowly becoming dependent on services such as Facebook, with one user in this article referring to Facebook as “…a classy girlfriend you once loved.”
It would be safe to say that most of the members that were opposed to the new design were from our generation, ages 16 to 24 years old. Our generation should put this energy into issues such as the presidential election and the economy, rather than an online community. In the future is it honestly going to matter what bumper sticker you gave someone or will an individual be more affected by the current $700 billion bail out. I guarantee students can describe the new design of Facebook more adequately than the cause for rising fuel prices. It may be easier for me to voice my opinion because I am not an avid user of Facebook, although I am a member.
Overall, I think Facebook is a good thing to keep in touch with friends and family. However, the problem arises when a “new” design for Facebook is turns into a social issue. Our generation should spend less time focusing on small issues and look at the larger picture.
Recreation is a common characteristic of online communities according to the Virtual Community article in our readings. However, I believe Facebook is moving beyond the recreation aspect and is evolving into a daily routine for most members. In our online unit, we read an article by Howard Rheingold concerning individuals who had become addicted to their online communities and Facebook is no different. Our generation is slowly becoming dependent on services such as Facebook, with one user in this article referring to Facebook as “…a classy girlfriend you once loved.”
It would be safe to say that most of the members that were opposed to the new design were from our generation, ages 16 to 24 years old. Our generation should put this energy into issues such as the presidential election and the economy, rather than an online community. In the future is it honestly going to matter what bumper sticker you gave someone or will an individual be more affected by the current $700 billion bail out. I guarantee students can describe the new design of Facebook more adequately than the cause for rising fuel prices. It may be easier for me to voice my opinion because I am not an avid user of Facebook, although I am a member.
Overall, I think Facebook is a good thing to keep in touch with friends and family. However, the problem arises when a “new” design for Facebook is turns into a social issue. Our generation should spend less time focusing on small issues and look at the larger picture.
1 comment:
I would agree with you that people need to look past the smaller issues and at the big issues but, like you said, this mass complaining is coming from our generation (16-24) and sadly, this generation seems to only think in present terms and not futuristic terms. Its that whole "invincible" mentality. People should realize that this will not matter in 2 years and, like you said, focus on something that will matter when we are older.
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