Hello there, fellow Blue Bloggers! My name is Joshua Navarro and I am currently a junior in ILR, where I am focusing my studies on Human Resources Administration. Law school is still an option in the future, but I have yet to be completely persuaded into pursing a career in law like many other ILR-ies. I come from Denver, Colorado, where I was born and raised. No matter where I may reside, my home and heart will always be in Colorado. I really like being away here in Ithaca, but there is just something about the Rocky Mountains and the four seasons that I find completely captivating. I like to think of myself as an average 20 year old guy. I like to listen to various types of music, go to movies, and even hangout with friends and family in social environments.
One internet-related phenomenon I always find myself fascinated with is the emergence of various social-networking websites. Because these sites are relatively new in comparison to the concepts shared in Wallaces’s book, they do not fit into just one internet environment; I actually believe these networking websites are a hybrid of a few environments. They can fit under the categories of electronic email, asynchronous discussion forums, and possibly even synchronous chats.
One particular site which never ceases to amaze me is MySpace.com. I must admit that I was bit skeptical and “weirded-out” when a friend of mine introduced me to MySpace almost two years ago. I was suspect of the idea of posting so much personal information and intimate details on a website that almost anybody in the world could gain access to. My friend (who lives in California) convinced me that it would be a simple and fun way to remain in touch with all the distance between us. Little did I know after joining the website I would soon become nearly obsessed. Exactly why did I become obsessed with the social-network site? Was it because it allows you to create your own homepage with a distinct URL, allowing you to add any of your interests, likes and dislikes, pictures, and a creative background? Was it because MySpace allows you to send electronic messages to various members and “friends?” Did I become attached because of the ability to post bulletins to be sent to all “friends” at the same time and even post comments on other members’ pages? Was it because the site allows you to participate in instant messaging chats and discussion forums? To be honest, I think it was because of all these features available in one website that I became a regular viewer and obsessed member of MySpace.com. I do find it particularly interesting how involved some people get on these social networking websites. Some individuals take it so extreme that their involvement can become detrimental to their real life, causing much drama and hostility. I like to think of myself as a responsible MySpacer, making sure not to disclose too much personal information all while keeping in touch with friends all over the country!
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Hi Joshua! I was really interested in some of the possible reasons you posed as to why people are attracted to Myspace...the unique URL, the ability to use personalized backgrounds...overall, it seems like it's the mere ability to "create" an atmosphere that represents us that is so fun about Myspace. I myself use the site, and I have to admit, I couldn't care less about who I talk to on it. What draws me to the site is the ablility to express myself in a visual manner...the backgrounds, the colors, the fonts. Also, you can add songs and videos to your site to both demonstrate your interests and create a certain feel. To me, all the entertainment lies in putting my personality forward through these elements.
Hey Josh. I thought you made a really good point describing all the personable functions of a social-networking website such as Myspace. I can definately relate to your first opinions on Myspace. Upon first glance, Myspace seemed creepy, unecessary and just plain wrong to me. However, just like you, I became obsessed with it shortly after creating my own profile. You questioned what makes Myspace so attractive and I thought I'd share my theory...
When I first signed up, I remember spending lots of time analyzing all the aspects of my profile wondering what type of online impression I was making with it. Perhaps one appeal of Myspace.com is that when using it we fall into the trap of what Wallace describes as the "imaginary audience". With over 106 million accounts, one may feel a sense of false importance believing that they have an extremely large audience that could be interested in their own likes, dislikes, music taste and written blogs. My Myspace profile has had over 14,000 profile views since it was created two years ago. Even though it's creepy, I've certainly spent time wondering who these people are and why they are interested in me. Additionally, this "imaginary audience" has made me feel as if I should "contribute" more to my profile so that those who visit my profile page will get an accurate (yet flattering) impression of me. This started a never-ending cycle of Myspace obsession for me. Luckily, college came and with college came Facebook. Anyways, perhaps others are just as self-centered as I was and like the feeling of believing someone is paying attention to them.
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