After reviewing many discussions, articles, and websites I began to wonder---do we really care about the things our "friends" are posting on MySpace, Facebook, etc? I update my status on both sites whenever I log in. I put, "Jennifer is doing homework," or "Jennifer just got home." I have noticed that others do the same, and add their mood. However, I began to wonder, is this a way for us to use "self-therapy" to get out our feelings, or do those who are reading these posts really care how our day is, or what our mood is at the current moment.
And, why is it that so many of our "friends" want us to take silly surveys and post them for the world to see? I don't really care what you ate for dinner last night, or where you were the first time a boy (girl) kissed you, or even better, where is the craziest place you have made love? Why is it that people feel so comfortable disclosing that information on the internet, but if it came up in a conversation (a face-to-face conversation) no one would feel compelled to share?
I believe that these social networking sites are also a place that people let out their emotions and help themselves to feel better about their day. So, do you think it is rubbish (the posts, not my blog), or a new theraputic method?
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6 comments:
It's so funny you brought this up. A friend of mine asked me earlier today why I don't "update" my status every day or fill out those surveys - and stated that it was annoying that I did not do these things. I didn't really think anyone cared that I am "doing homework" or that I had my first kiss before Social Studies class (or was it English ... I can't remember).
It was interesting to know that someone actually did care - because honestly, I don't!
You raise an interesting point! I occassionally update my status when I'm bored at work. I really don't think that people really care what I'm doing though, nor do I care if they're "bored at work" or anything. I guess it could be a type of self help. Pondering how you're feeling at that moment, etc.
I think that the surveys are a chance for Myspace and Facebook users to talk about themselves. And you know how we love talking about ourselves (I am guilty). I don't think it's a form of therapy (blogs, on the other hand, offer a great way to express feelings) but the product of boredom mixed with self-centeredness.
I honestly do tend to look at the posts submitted by my best friends, and I really do enjoy seeing what they are up to and learning what their favorite colors are. I could care less about the others, though.
I think that whenever someone expresses themselves it is a form of self therapy. Why else would you wnat someone to know about your persomal life? Whenever we tell someone something about our lives we are either trying to help them with a problem, seeking approval, looking for pity, or just plain trying to show off. This is human nature and it is true whether it's done online or face to face.
Oh, definitely some self-therapy! I think when you fill out those profiles you do learn a bit about yourself. I think there is a small amount (maybe 4 or 5) of people on any of my friends lists that I would actually check-in on to see what they are doing day-to-day. So, I think most of that stuff is for yourself and your closest friends, otherwise, I don't know who spends the time, or has the time, to read everything about 80 "friends".
i think it's crap. especially for users who use the sites for networking, and not because they're bored. if i have an important issue to discuss with joe schmoe (let's say about a deadline for an article) i really don't care what kind of a mood he's in. and i'm sure he could care less about "what i'm doing right now," as i'm promted to insert when i log into my facebook account.
i have also come to loathe surveys on myspace. it must be nice to have absolutely nothing better to do than to tell everyone on your "friends list" what you did last saturday in 200 questions, all with one word answers. yuck!
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