Partner Response

I responded to Tori Huntsinger's blog post in class.

In addition, I posted short responses to Katie Messina and Kelly Tranfaglia's posts.

Whither the Individual?

Whither the Individual?

As we join groups and social networks from affinity sites to Facebook, are we extending and expanding identities, or increasingly conforming to the cookie-cutter profiles demanded of these interfaces? Is the loss of "personal space" and "reflection" so many users complain of merely the necessary surrender of "ego" as we learn to participate as members of a more evolved "collective organism" of "hyper-people?"

whither, v.

1. To move with force or impetus, to rush; to make a rushing sound, to whizz; to bluster or rage, as the wind.

2. To tremble, shake, quiver.

3. To strike or beat forcibly; to throw violently.

Derivatives

whitherer n. a vigorous person or thing

(- Oxford English Dictionary)

This seems like harsh wording to describe the effects of social media sites and online groups on an individual, specifically definition three. The Internet is always in constant development. No matter what, people will always question where it is headed, and whether the direction of new innovation is beneficial for our society. But, by no means does it cause a loss of personal space and reflection. And by no means are we, as members of this quickly growing technological age, forced to conform to social norms. It’s a choice.

Social networking sites, like Facebook, are used to connect people. These sites almost seem like a way of life, just a normal part of the average person’s everyday itinerary. As stated by Douglas Rushkoff in the PBS Frontline episode entitled ‘Digital Nation,’ “In the end, what I feel like I discovered in looking at so many different people using these technologies is when push comes to shove, eventually people will use these technologies to find other people, to connect.”            

On these sites where a profile is needed, the site usually provides a template almost for how the profile should look. However, there are ways of making a profile to fit your individual “style.” No loss of identity occurs, it’s just that conformity requires a kind of sameness.

            

The Internet really is a part of life now. “I think the other thing people aren’t quite realizing is that the Internet really changed from this thing that you do to a way that you are,” Rushkoff also stated. “In other words, we have gone from logging in to always on. And when you’re always on, where are you not? That’s sort of where it gets strange and interesting. But how many people actually have the ability to unplug?”

With the number of people that use these sites, social consequences are almost inevitable. But extreme cases should not be applied to the virtual community as a whole. These extreme cases are what the users who complain about the loss of personal space and reflection see. These are the stories that stick with people. 

This may be why the book The Dumbest Generation, authored by Mark Bauerlein, was published. The way Bauerlein sees it, something new and disastrous has happened to America's youth with the arrival of the instant gratification go-go-go digital age (The Los Angeles Times). Instead of using the Internet to learn, Bauerlein believes youth are using it for social reasons alone: to talk with friends, follow celebrities, and things along those lines. But what about right now? I am not talking to anyone, my Facebook page is not up, there are no distractions around me whatsoever. I am focused on this assignment alone, and am searching the Internet for solely academic reasons as opposed to social ones. Bauerlein is relating to extreme cases, those youth who are addicted to the Internet. 

In the Digital Nation episode, a quote by Shakespeare was given: "We are consumed by that which we are nourished by." The Internet, these social networking sites and online groups, allow for us to fulfill our needs, whether they be social, or academic. At this day and age, the Internet is a necessity. It's just a way of life now, and there's no way around that. We are all part of a "collective organism" that continues to grow larger everyday. 

Oxford English Dictionary: http://www.oed.com/

The Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-book5-2008jul05,0,6248930.story

Social Media Questions

1. Today many TV shows and advertisements try to look amateurish or "homegrown" to emulate what is often seen on the Web. Do you think professional production values will continue to drop, or do you think amateur user-generated content will get better overtime? WHY?


I don't think that professional production values are dropping by any means. Some producers feel as if a "home-made" looking advertisement, movie or show is best for that certain media. For example, the eTrade commercials look "homegrown." However, the reasoning behind this is because it is supposed to emulate the recording of a video on a laptop. If the producers of eTrade commercials made the advertisement in high-defonition, it would not have the same effect. 


2. What social media sites do you find yourself using the most, and why? In your opinion why is Facebook so much more successful than MySpace, and do you think Facebook is "here to stay" for the long term?


I find Facebook most addicting of all the social media sites, and it is definitely "here to stay." More and more people join Facebook everyday, and the age of the average Facebook user continues to grow younger as time goes on. 


I think Facebook is more successful than MySpace because it is safer. There are ways to block unwanted people from viewing your profile, and you can even be "unsearchable" from everyone. I feel as if MySpace profiles were always just out in the open for everyone to be able to see. 


3. Why is transparency such an important concept in the Social Media World? Is it MORE or LESS important in the offline world? Why?


To be honest, I don't really understand what transparency is. But, according to the article, it is defined as openness, communication and accountability. It seems an important concept in the world of social media because online, a person blogging can be whoever he or she want, and can share whatever he or she wants, being ultimately open. As a result, it seems transparency would be less important in the offline world. Transparency online is used for self-motives and social gain, which is not something that would occur in real life. 

Extra Photoshop

Figment is an online site where unknown writers can post stories and poems and receive feedback from other aspiring writers. As McLuhan stated, a medium is any new technology. As opposed to, let's say, writing in a journal, writers can now type up their works and post them online. 

McLuhan Photoshop Final Post

In The Medium is the Message, McLuhan described a medium with two definitions: any new technology, and any "extension" of ourselves. An extension occurs when an individual or society makes or uses something in a way that extends the range of the human body and mind in a fashion that is new. Music can be considered an extension of the senses, in particular hearing. And, music has transformed over the ages, from the phonograph, to 8tracks, an online website in which people can make mixes of music for others to enjoy. This photoshop document shows the transformation of music technology. 

McLuhan Photoshop

Current Mediums

BlackBerry is a smartphone device developed by the Canadian company Research in Motion (RIM). The BlackBerry consists of a long list of capabilities, including e-mail, BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook and Twitter notifications, and many others. BlackBerry s were originally popular amongst businessmen and people who needed access to e-mail and internet wherever they went. However, lately, it seems that wherever you go a majority of people, no matter what age, own one. 

Figment is an online community where people can share their writing, connect with other readers, and discover new stories and authors. It allows you to follow authors you enjoy reading, and allows others to follow you. As a journalism major, I enjoy reading the short stories and novels on this website. 

8tracks is a website in which people can create mixes of music, including at least 8 tracks, to share with others.  Through this site, you can find mixes of all different genres which align to your music likings, and can save them as your favorites. Users can also create mixes of their own, of which others can enjoy listening to and save to their favorites. You can also follow people who created a number of mixes you enjoy.