Just stating the obvious really, this is the generation where nearly everyone has some type of social network they belong to on the internet. We post things for our friends and family to read and comment on, from status updates to pictures to videos its all there. With the advent of the internet its created a new ground that gives everyone a voice, no matter how menial or possibly poignant they may be. It allows us to put our thoughts out there for anyone to read, whether its a tweet about your breakfast or a Facebook status that you're going to the gym. The majority of us have these accounts and use them fervently. There are now over an estimated 80 million Twitter users, 35 million on Facebook, and over 100 million users on Myspace (yes people still use it). That's a lot of people! Also many people who subscribe to one of these services often subscribe to more, for example I have a Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Youtube and Myspace accounts but to be fair I haven't logged in to Myspace in over 2 years.
But I'm straying from my point, we are in a time where we have the ability to be heard at any time, in any place, never before has there been so many systems of communication in society. It allows us to connect with friends and family, and..strangers who may become new friends. However this can create the illusion that someone has more 'friends' than others do, when in fact they really only personally know a small percentage of those people. For example one of my 'friends' on Twitter has over 1.6 million followers, it is literally impossible for her to know hardly any of those people on a personal basis, yet they are all privy to read her tweets and follow her life. Why would anyone want to waste their time and do this? Because we live in a society that is bored, and constantly in fast forward moving to the next best thing. I saw a bump ad on [adult swim] on cartoon network that caught my attention, it was a satirical ad for a fake social network called "squirtter" Twitter for Squirrels. And in the ad it said something to the effect of "a new social network for you and your dumb friends so you know what they are doing all damn day because, apparently, you care". I had to laugh because it is pretty true, since when have so many people felt the need to be constantly involved in everyones lives?
I think at the core of it, these networks beg at our own needs and wants for attention, most people (not everyone, I know) want people to know what they did or are doing, to leave an imprint, to exist. And if people respond to your posts it generates a conversation and a sense of self importance. Which may be why some people tend to be Facebook and/or Twitter "whores" because they want to get as many friends as possible to generate as much traffic and comments as possible. But it's not all bad, far from it, these networks can help you stay in touch with old friends who you might not live around any more, or family members as well. I know it has helped me to stay in contact with my family and friends and it allows me to see updates on my new niece whom I have yet to meet in person simply due to distance and money.
Ok so I realize that my posts might offend people, and that isn't their intent, the reason why I started this blog was to get out what I'm thinking, I'm not saying I'm right or that I couldn't be proven wrong on some things, it's just what is on my mind at the moment and my opinion on the matter. I do try to be informed about a topic before I go spewing out opinions and I do research things so that I don't come off as a complete ass. But if you think I'm wrong or that I'm misinformed or should try a different viewpoint, please by all means comment here or on my Facebook page, or on Twitter @Haganc1337
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