Harnessing, Exploring and Understanding Network Culture
The use of communication technology has been ridiculed time and time again. Many critics such as Tucker (2007 p.9) argue that the impact of information technology on the emotional and social health of young people is detrimental. In addition Forbes (2007 p.72) portrays that childhood is disappearing, believing that the media, including electronic media induce aggressive behaviour and destroy social bonds which may inhibit such behaviour. This paper will suggest otherwise. Focussing on network culture, the paper will illustrate that whilst there is potential harm in the use of the internet and social network programs there is also many positive attributes in regards to the socialisation process and identity formation.
Social networking is not a new fad.
We as humans have long traditions of social networking through family orientations, gathering of friends, events, and dealings. People have been recording their thoughts for centuries. These ledgers, diaries, and journals have been used for personal expression, work-related activities, and much more. Their format has traditionally been paper and ink. In today’s global society, the internet is our gateway to the world. We are able to communicate and share information with people we have never met through a simple point and click. Whilst some critics such as Nevius (2007) exile social network programs on the internet, it is important to take note that this conception of social networking and interaction has always existed, and that it has just moved and generated into a new form. As society progresses, humans potential to create and generate extends in all directions of technological advancement.
As suggested by Young (2006 pp.27-28) in the pre-1990s people were using ham radios and the AP wire (like chat rooms) to communicate, in the 1990s internet forum software, use nets, newsgroups, and threads were popular. By 1994, the first blogs were called “online diaries,” and by 1997 the term “weblog” was coined by Jorn Barger, also know as the “American blogger.” (Young 2006). Evidentially, it is apparent that social networking is not so much a new fad in the 20th century however has just shifted into the medium of the internet. So then, why is it that social networking as become such a controversy in our society? Is there really a valid reason to condemn this phenomena, or is it a just an overreaction from those who do not understand its use. To further understand this hot topic, we must examine why individuals choose to part take in social networking via the internet and the proposed pro’s and con’s.
The reasons for social networking is limitless as described by Blanchard ( 2004 pp.65-79) however the most common motivations are that individuals can share their ideas, share their life, stir up emotions in people, to communicate, to share their personal interests with other like-minded people, to share their personal journeys and themselves with others, and most of all acquire new friends. Through the use of popular software programs such as Facebook, Friendster, Hot or Not, Xanga, and most popular MySpace, social networking can be achieved in a way that is easy to use, free, and fun. In these programs individuals are able to create personalized profiles to express an individual's interests and tastes, thoughts of the day and values. Music, photos and video help users make their profile more appealing. People can comment on each others' profiles or photos and these are typically displayed publicly. Whilst Baxtor and Magolda. (1998 pp. 143-156) have grave concerns about the negative effects and dangers of online communication tools such as MySpace and FaceBook, use of these tools and exploration of these environments is healthy, normal and critical to identity development (Boyd 2006).
In regards to positive effects of social networking, identity production is at the heart of the constructive benefits. Every day, individuals dress themselves in a set of clothes that conveys something about our identity - what they do for a living, how they fit into the socio-economic class hierarchy, what their interests are, etc. This is describe by Wildstrom (2007 p.20) as identity production. As presented in the article Identity Production in a Networked Culture, Boyd ( n.d)., explains that around middle school, teens begin actively engaging in identity production as they turn from their parents to their peers as their primary influencers and group dynamics take hold.
The dynamics of identity production play out visibly on MySpace and other network programs. Profiles are digital bodies, public displays of identity where people can explore impression management ( Forbes 2007). Because the digital world requires people to write themselves into being, profiles provide an opportunity to craft the intended expression through language, imagery and media. Explicit reactions to their online presence offers valuable feedback as expressed by Forbes (2007 p.72). As explained by Boase, Horrigan, Wellman, and Rainie, ( 2007) the internet has allowed individuals and groups to find common interests, engage in various types of exchange and create bonds of concern, support and affection that can unite them. In addition members of virtual communities share many or most traits in common with traditional communities necessary for there to be a sense of community, such as feelings of membership and influence and shared emotional connection (Blanchard and Markus, 2004).
On the other hand, there is evidence supporting that there are hazards and dangers caused by social network programs causing conflict and anguish amongst parents and teens. In an article ‘Wise parents peek into kids’ myspace’ ( Nevius 2007) it was noted that some private schools around the country have banned students from posting on MySpace, announcing that violators will be suspended from school. Whereas this might be an overreaction, it doesn’t mean there’s no potential for problems. In the same article information was given about a high school party in the
Another concern is cyber bullying, which can be so devastating that Nevius (2007) suggests that victims may attempt suicide. In contrast Stone n.d., suggests that the playground bully has been around forever. In addition, Tiara n.d., proposes that bullying over the internet is worse; as times you don’t know who you are dealing with. “We've got kids with fake identities who go in the locker room, take a photo of a fat kid and then post it and invite all these comments" advocates Tiara n.d., from an American school in Berkeley hills.
All of these are legitimate concerns. However Boyd ( 2006) states that there is potential for a witch hunt. In contrast to these concerns from critics, Boyd ( 2006) considers myspace and other social network programs can be a worthwhile place for teens to interact socially.
It could be said that the press is magnifying a culture of fear in a way that is wholly unhealthy for contempory society, parents and teen. In regards to social network programs there is much evidence to support the benefits which appear to outweigh the exaggerated concerns. However, there are potential risks in social networks but it is important not to embellish them. The risks are not why youth are flocking to social networking. To them then benefits for socialization outweigh the potential harm. In our society we are undergoing a cultural shift in the social networks due to the introduction of a new medium of the Internet; to progress as a society we must embrace both the negative and positive attributes of social network culture.
Reference List.
Referred Journal Articles
Baxtor and Magolda. (1998). Developing self-authorship in young adult life [Electronic version]. Journal of College Student Development. No.39, pp. 143-156
Blanchard, A., and Markus, M. 2004, ‘The experienced “sense” of a virtual community’ Characteristics’ and processes [electronic version] Data base for Advances in information systems. no.35, March, pp. 65-79, ( online ProQuest).
Forbes, P.M. 2007. ‘The MySpace Generation’. no.28, August, p.72, ( online ProQuest Journal).
Guidry, K.R 2005.’Online communication is healthy and critical to social development’, Information systems and social development, no.95, March, pp. 16-21 (online Emerald Group Publishing Limited).
Tucker, K. 2007. ‘MySpace Generation’. Information Technology and society. No.119, April, p.9, ( online ProQuest Journal).
Wildstrom, S.H. 2007. ‘Harnessing Social Networks’. Studies in Learning Evaluation, Innovation and Development, no. 23, p.20 (online Business Week Journals).
Young, M.L. 2006. ‘Blogging: An Introductory Look at an Old Pastime in a New Medium’. Library Hi Tech News. No.23, June, pp.27-28, ( online Emerald Group Publishing Limited).
Internet Websites
Boase, J., Horrigan, J., Wellman, B., and Rainie, L., The strength of internet ties.
Boyd, D. 2006. ‘Identity Production in a Networked Culture: Why Youth Heart MySpace’. Talk given at the 2006 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, St. Louis, MO. Retrieved May 4, 2007, from http://www.danah.org/papers/AAAS2006.html
Nevius n.d., Wise parents peek into kids’ myspace, viewed May 8 2007, http://www.Wiseparentspeekinkids_myspace.html
Stone n.d., Social Networks Next, viewed 11 May 2007, Phasehttp://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/03/technology/03social.html?ex=1178942400&en=0b6311f8ef4b43c6&ei=5070
Tiara n.d., Myspace profiles and Identity formation, viewed 11 May 2007,http://www.tiara.org/blog/?p=297
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