Comments on Social Networking

The social networking presentation was interesting as I was unaware of the ferocity with which people were attracted to networking sites like FaceBook and MySpace. As a person who has a FaceBook account out of necessity and who has never seen a MySpace page, I can honestly say I am behind the crowd. The presentation gave me other ideas on the subject of networking and lead to a greater understanding of how our social natures will become a blessing and a curse in the coming years.

Social networking sites like the aforementioned FaceBook and MySpace have become exceedingly popular as they provide a service that was unheard of in the past. The rate at which technology has revolutionized communications so websites like these exist is astounding. It is incredible to think that a person can have a conversation with anyone from any part of the globe at will. The lag between hemispheres and the traditional impediments to relaying information are gone in this new digital age. As amazing as this is, the real marvel is the fact that the more technology we develop to communicate the more we actually communicate. This may sound strange at first, but think about it: Why are these online sites so addictive? What drives people to join these networks or to have text-only conversations with people they might possibly have never even met? It is because as people we desire contact. While not all contact is preferred, we grow to need stimulus from others and with the advent of new technology this need is being fulfilled in ways that were inconceivable in the past.

As wonderful as the newer communications technologies have become, the presentation did point out possible problems people may encounter while using them. The most severe of which resulting from unsupervised children and any negative happenings that occur as a direct result of their online actions. This is a personal judgment but I feel the world is horrible enough without those that prey on children. The fact that a growing number of people who frequent MySpace desire to take advantage of children inspires feelings of dread and outrage simultaneously. This problem has no obvious solution as MySpace is in the business of making money and the last time I checked, they were making it hand over foot. Blame could be placed on parents but as one person said in class, what someone does, regardless of what they have been taught is their own personal decision. I agree with that but I hope that parents or kids themselves put some forms of safeguards in place. We need to be vigilant as times are changing rapidly and the lines between safety and danger have been blurred along digital lines.