Questions about Facebook

For one thing, some are beginning to conclude that a Web site built around a kind of mass exhibitionism might not bring out the best in everyone.

In the case of Facebook, such a statement has never necessitated any clarification. Your Facebook profile is not you, it’s who you want yourself to be. It’s an image you can control. The term exhibitionism is appropriate.

I find Facebook to embody the inherent problem is new media technology. It’s a systemic imbalance: our capability to communicate has increased dramatically while our lives have not become any more intriguing. I don’t have a problem with increased communication per se, it’s what we’re communicating that I take issue with.

To some extent, everyone on Facebook is running for political office. Metaphorically the office varies: professional or societal seem to be the most common. Professionals project flawlessness - no binge drinking allowed. Running for social office is more varied as it depends on the group: binge drinking and general coolness are often welcome.

I simply think we’re missing all that Facebook is. I understand the ‘connecting’ part. But connecting is 1/2 the equation - connecting is nothing without communicating. So what are we communicating with Facebook? Does your profile reflect who you are - is that even possible in this context? Or, as is most likely the case, is it the image that you would like to project?

I don’t believe Facebook’s design standardization should be overlooked: all profiles have the same layout, with the same colors. Perhaps it’s that conformity that has seeped into the content.

Facebook doesn’t bring out the best in people, and people do go out of their way to control their image, but some of those people do that anyway in other contexts.

As many problems people have about Facebook, I keep coming back to this: It’s a good way to stay in touch with people. I will sadly admit that I have arranged social situations through Facebook that would have been much more difficult without it.

BUT I can understand the argument that these are the types of people that are not worth mine or your time. What does it say about the people whom attempt to arrange social situations on Facebook walls? or Post things that others have no business knowing on walls when a message would be much more appropriate. HEAVEN FORBID we actually talk to the person…

Well, I’m not saying some FB friends aren’t worth our time. I’m saying that, in real life, some people come and go through our lives who we never or rarely see again. I’m not against the ability to stay in touch with said people through Facebook though.

My problem is that it’s never used for that reason. Of course, once you find said person, there is the obligatory exchange. After that, there is no communication.

Your left with this ability to readily get a snapshot of this rather random person’s life. Or from what I contend, their purported life. It appeals to this stalker psyche in people. I just don’t get it.