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| Social Interaction |
Monday, June 7, 2010
Social Networking
So I've joined a social networking site and after a few months of being relatively active on it I am questioning whether being active on these sites actually positively impacts the way we socially interact. I'm not asking whether we increase our circle of friends, as most of these sites seem to encourage us to do, but rather whether it enhances the quality of our social interactions. I hypothesize that we probably just transfer what we do in "real" social situations to the virtual world and as such the experienced interaction is an extension of who we are. Increasing the friend-circle on sites like facebook therefore only increases the opportunities to exercise our social skills. This at least qualifies why I always see posts that makes no sense at all unless you have been following a conversation. I simply don't have the time to catch up on a conversation. I often wonder why these comments are posted to the "wall" section and not mailed to the individual(s) directly. It seems that even though one may have a circle of friends that reaches into the hundreds the conversation is often directed at only a handful (so why is it on the wall?"). I marvel at the fact that FB seems to be geared at personal marketing. A family member noted how everyone looks sooo good on their profile pictures.
But maybe it shouldn't be so strange...maybe this is what we do on a daily basis. We try and look our best, let other know what are doing etc. Maybe I am struggling with the fact that it is so in your face...all the time and not just you but the 800 other "friends" I have. What do you think. I would love to hear from you.
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I agree with you that social networks, such as FB in particular, are just an extension of our social life. Yes, there are more then just a few wall posts that could rather have not been posted. These are things that give us insight into people mindsets and thoughts. It also creates a platform for friends to reflect on their doings. Letting people know about what's up and happening in your life via your status creates this platform.Like one of my friends status stated that if it bothers you that I update my status so much, why not delete me from your friends list then you won't have to read it. to that extend, it does enhance the quality of social interactions.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't visit social networking sites like Facebook very often, but when I do it's just to see what those people whom I don't usually see on a day to day basis have been up to and to share the things I feel I want them to know.
ReplyDeleteThese types of social networking sites give the younger people who don't have permanent jobs the opportunity to keep in touch with their peers frequently without spending much cash on airtime or the internet.
You also get to keep in touch with friends and family who live far from you. Not only can you chat with them online or leave them posts and messages, but you can also upload pictures and videos which they can watch.
Many people complain about certain peoples posts, but you don't have to comment or even read them. Facebook does not force you to do that!
I do agree with your opinion that a lot of people use the sites as a tool for personal marketing because they invite you to sites where you need to vote for them for modeling competitions, etc.
For me it's just there, I can go without those sites, my life is not dependent upon that! And I hope no one else depends on it either.