The social network mindset

[Maricel Evasco]

I have noticed in the past year or so FB has become more pervasive in the way my relatives, circle of friends, and even colleagues and students keep in touch with me and each other. FB is convenient and familiar and for me more trustworthy since people reveal their names and family photos. I love that I can hear from relatives previously unheard of and from former students who are now entrenched in their adult lives. It is heartwarming to discover that some of my students remember me from a decade ago and have friended me on FB. Three couples of former students have either married or are currently living together and have children together.I also like that people keep updates during emergency situations like how they are faring during a disaster. It's nice to know people are still breathing and that others are concerned. I remember when 9-11 happened, I got several emails asking me if I was all right.

 

Initially, I disliked Facebook, but it is starting to grow on me. I wonder what percent of the planet uses FB. In the Philippines, Friendster used to be the most popular social network, but I think it has become overshadowed by FB.

 

I don't particularly care for the the online dating venue even though statistically speaking one's chances of meeting someone interesting and compatible increases.

 

What role does social networks play in your lives?

[Wendel]

I think that sometimes there is an element of banter or wit that is needed to post on there. Some posts become sort of a standard.  I have one friend who posts her menu every night.  I don't find it repetitious at all, and it instead makes me feel a bit envious of her culinary skill

:-)

 

I enjoy reading my nephew's posts that he makes in Russian because I can tell he's enjoying his class.  I like looking at the pictures my niece posts of her horse.  I enjoy reading some of the blog posts that people share.  It's really a mixed bag of people's interests in there.  I find it fascinating. 

[Wendel]

This doesn't make as much sense after your edit.  Oh well :-)

[Wendel]

By "plethora of opportunities to comment" I assume you mean that there is little content.   I found early on that people there aren't too interested in content.  Except through private message.  I had hopes for this one group but it has already devolved.

 

I suppose it is "shallow" if you look at from the viewpoint that all of those people really are your "friends."  To me it seems to be more of a community and like any community there are people that you converse with more than others, people with whom you get along with better, people who you play silly games with, people who have similar taste in music, and people who get on your last nerve and you wonder why you keep them around.

 

It's funny but I went up to the library at the college the other day and as I walked past the computer section I saw that most of the students had their pages open to Facebook.  I thought that this was going to be a passing fad but it looks like it's around to stay.  All of the texts I'm reading right now talk about using social networking sites for student outreach.  Is this filling a need or is this perpetuating a trend?

[Apposite]

I think Facebook homepage is a place to keep track of each other and share gossip. I think it creates interesting group dynamics as you get to see en masse what all your "friends" are doing and thinking. I have posted some whaddya think kinds of questions and queries but get little response. I think the average person on Facebook is just using it as an out let to say something to somebody - anybody. It is kind of like the be nice stuff we see here but less structured and more whimsical because we all pick our own set of friends. Each homepage is unique to the individual's Facebook page.

 

To answer your parting question I think that social networking is about outreach regardless of whether it is student oriented or not. The web has really shrunk the world and brought people together. It is hard to think of what the world was like before it! How did we possibly get on with life?

[Wendel]

We did just fine before and were probably busy frying our brains on television.  One box substituted for another.

But without it I wouldn't have the chance to have virtual discussions with a person I never met before who lives in Alaska.  Although I should probably be sleeping this time of night instead.  Maybe that's what we were doing before.  We were getting our full 8 hours of sleep.

 

[Apposite]

Well maybe some of us got a full 8 hours!

[Wendel]

There's time enough for sleep.....later.  I always hated naps.  Especially when I was a kid.  Seemed like a mini death to me.

[Maricel Evasco]

Steve, Have you been to Baguio? It's cooler their so you feel more alert. It is also an interesting and scenic place to visit.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298445-Baguio_Luzon-Vacations.html

 

[Maricel Evasco]

It just hit me that it was social networking (blogging) that fueled the revolution in the Middle East.

 

Speaking of Middle East, Obama Bin Laden is dead, but I don't think the spirit of his cause died with him. Somehow, I think there is going to be another really serious terrorist attack soon.

[Maricel Evasco]

Do you folks add colleagues and your bosses to your friends list on FB? If so, does change the way you communicate on FB?