Social Networks: Are They Really Social?

[Andre]

I have noticed, especially from my days on Myspace, that these so called "social networks;" aren't always so social. On Myspace, for example, most people spent they're time begging people to "comment their pix" or to "repost this bulletin or die at midnight."

People will rack up friends, people that they don't even know, and brag about their number. Placing people on your Top Eight friends becomes a battle over who is the superior person. These things don't really encourage sociability; but rather discourage it. Have more friends, and don't talk to them.

Facebook has changed that, in a way, but I'm not sure if it's enough. It allows for people to know details about a person, and it makes that first conversation much less awkward. I suppose I'll see the effect first hand, as I've moved somewhere where I don't know anyone. :P

Thoughts?

[DekuScrubby]

I absolutely agree. I think Bebo is the worst of the worst, but it's good for a laugh at some embarrasingly bad grammar.

[Mr 3vil]

Facebook has warped. I used it before Myspace too and enjoyed it. With all the applications though, I'm starting to find it a much less social place. The best form of socializing is to hang out in real life and find something to do together. It's boxed thinking that limits our imagination.

[Jinjonator]

It allows for people to know details about a person

Doesn't Myspace let you know details about people too? :confused: I don't go on FB, so I assume there's some kind of feature...?

[Hakey Wake]

I don't use them personally, it seems to discourage actually meeting people in person.

[Gruntling]

I stopped using MySpace for this reason. It just got too ridiculous. It hardly even seems like a social networking website anymore. Facebook is becoming this way too. Too many applications and doodads.

[Twi]

I don't have a MySpace, but from some friends tell me, all it is is commenting eachothers pics. Nothing more.

I've had a few of my friends become addicted to the site as if it were a drug. I haven't seen them in a long time. :(

[Upsilon]

Facebook's a useful tool for organising social events and whatnot, like telephone and e-mail, but like telephone and e-mail, it shouldn't be used as a substitute for actual social contact, which a lot of people do.

HOW INSIGHTFUL!!

[Grey Jinjo]

Facebook is just as bad as Myspace. People hold it up on a higher platform to feel like they are on the better social networking site when in reality they are just on the other social networking site.

[Mandy]

Facebook's a useful tool for organising social events

This is what I really use Facebook for. It's easier to pass on details of "fun alerts" to a group of friends all in one go. Also sharing pics of said events. I've found quite a few old friends on there, great when you've lost their numbers over time.

I think it really depends on how you use a social networking sites. If you gather a load of fake friends and sit at home chatting to them through these sites then it's not really all that social. If you use it as a tool to contact people that you can't see IRL anymore, or have lost details for then it can be quite a good thing. It shouldn't be a substitute for picking up the phone or getting out of your house and actually going out with your mates.

[Mandy]

also for not forgetting people's birthdays o-O. I just ignore the groups and stuff.

Yeah I forgot about that one. Very useful for someone like me :o

[xxjoesusxx]

social network is an oxymoron. Your simulating being social by sitting in front of your computer and typing to pictures of real people.

School, now THAT is a real social network.

[Mr 3vil]

School, now THAT is a real social network.

If only rep was still here cause you're spot on for saying that. I am finding myself to be missing school right now. Especially in college, you'll meet people that want to do the same career as you. There's also the professors who work in the careers that teach the subject. Definitely a great place to know where you're heading for in the future.