Even though it is blocked at work (which is probably a good thing!) I am able to update my "facebook status" via a cool, very nerdy-chic tool called Twitter. (There are many other ways to update statuses, this is my favorite.) I can also update my status via my phone. Pretty much, I could give people play-by-plays of my life all the time. If I were to have a great idea, something un/usual happened, or I was just bored, I could communicate these thoughts to my facebook community. I don't know who will read it (well, most likely one of my "facebook friends) or who will comment... or who even cares... I just like doing it. I like having an outlet to share myself.
My facebook status is just one way I reveal myself (create an identity) to others. My guess is that if you followed my "Tweets" or facebook statuses, afterawhile, you'd have an interesting impression of "me." Its part of my "language... as primary vehicle for establishing one's own (or another's) online persona." (60)
My last couple statuses read:
home from a great day of work and service with the lifegroup leaders at church.
one of the best parts of my job! about 4 hours ago from web
switching between water and a Diet Coke. I was told to drink a lot of water.
This prob isn't what they meant. Oh well. about 12 hours ago from web
is working on a take home test for her "Giving and Volunteerism" class. Very interesting!
Its essay-writing time now! 8:04 PM Jan 25th from web
took some kiddos to see the narnia play tonight and had no idea so many abundant
life kids were in it! how exciting! 11:29 PM Jan 24th from web
is that snow? hail? mini ice balls? weird. 2:45 PM Jan 24th from txt
made it to FREE GEEK to donate old computer junk!
awesome! 12:45 PM Jan 24th from txt
killing about several forests with my printing jobs. Hmm. *sweep aside guilt*
ALSO, PRAYING FOR LIFEGROUPS! 3:24 PM Jan 23rd from web
having a very nerdy moment. am setting up a webcam + skype + all things that make me even cooler. (laughing) 10:14 PM Jan 22nd
Okay, so I am not so arrogant, to think anyone would be so overly fascinated by these statuses. But y'know. This is me. This is my life. Well, my life since 10:14pm on January 22nd.
Facebook is planning my 10-year high school reunion.
Well, maybe its just providing the method for us to contact one another and find out who is planning what. Facebook, however, has changed the "mystery and drama" of the classic reunion. Now, if I am curious about an old classmate, I can search for her facebook/myspace profile. Chances are, it will be there. Likewise, my old classmates can find me. The reputation I had in high school, is now compared to the self-presentation of my facebook page. Am I the same Cori they remember from high school? I am presenting myself to a group of people, and opening myself up for judgement.
It make connecting with people... easy.
I work/attend a large church. Many of my facebook friends attend my church. I love the ability to get to know the people I go to church with a little better. A former lifegroup leader named Amy ended up being a facebook friend. (I help coordinate lifegroups (small groups) at my church.) When Amy stepped down from leading her group, I was still her friend, and got to see pictures of her new baby... on facebook. For the last couple weeks, I gotten to see Amy, her husband, and her little, baby girl IN REAL LIFE. We laugh that its "so weird" see each other in real life. (Her baby is so sweet!)
I don't know how many times, I have needed to connect with someone for some reason or another, and I can't reach them on their phone or email... but a quick facebook message and I am responded to right away. Because I know many of the people on my facebook friend list in real life... I don't have to worry about gender-swapping and misrepresntation of who they are. It would be hard for them to lie. Likewise, I have to be careful about how I portray myself. Because the eyes on me are many, posting a pictures of me that could be scandalous or writing things that could be negative against another or too "open" is a "no."
Are these just ways I am controlling my identity, the perception others view me? Maybe. I am an open person in real life, so online I am going to be open too. Do I distort the truth of who I am? I don't know. Maybe? Probably a little but not with an evil intention. I don't reveal the secrets of my heart online. Well, not too often.
Facebook has also made the quality of friendships... sorely lacking.
Not too long ago, if I wanted to talk to a friend, I would give them a call or we would hang out and chat. Now, a series of "computer mediated communications" replace a good long talk with a friend. I miss these times with friends. Facebook, and such social media services, can take what was once a friendship based on hugs and laughter and tears together and make it quick. Convenient. Public. I realized this past weekend that I haven't SEEN any of my best gal pals (well the ones I don't work with) in weeks! But yet, we have chatted and kept up with each other Facebook and quick text messages.
What is the world coming to? No wonder people feel lonely.
Facebook has changed the dynamics of how people relate... or it can, if you let it (take over.) While the "playing field" (60) may be leveled out for others to engage without the threat of "judgement" with the flexibility of commenting when desired or able... this mode of social engagement must be balanced with real-life, real-people interactions. For me personally, I can't live on Facebook alone.
also posted at corinne.fisher@wordpress.com
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