Reading Baron’s chapter was very interesting to me because I remember when AIM first came out when I was still in elementary school. But, I never used it that much. Reading about the away messages was interesting because it is true that sometimes you can be trying to convey more than that you are just away from the computer. In one case, you could post that you may or may not be sleeping which could prompt people to message you even though they know there is a possibility you would not message back. Another example is that you couldmake it seem like you were out having fun when you were actually sitting at home. The funny thing about this is that I have actually done this on Facebook. On nights where I didn’t have anything to do or where I was feeling depressed, I would post a status making it sound like I was having the time of my life. I am an optimistic person so if you go through my statuses, I am generally always happy and in an upbeat mood. I don’t like the people that are debbie downers and constantly complaining. I prefer to confront my problems with people head on rather than wasting time posting about it on Facebook. I would rather be in a good mood on Facebook. Baron’s assumption that people can portray theirselves in whatever way they want to on their away messages/profiles is very true.
6 thoughts on “Blog 5”
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Do you notice the same use of humor on Facebook status updates as in Baron’s AIM study?
I would say yes. I think some individuals like to portray that they are doing more than they really are or saying “look at me” to get attention through statuses that may be exaggerated.
I agree that individuals online weather faceboook, twitter, etc. the use of these mediums for dealing with their problems can be lethal. The reasonining is that others can post a harsh reaction that can only fuel the fire. I beleive it is important to have a private network to deal with your personal problems not air them online.
It really is so interesting that some people always present themselves in a great light, to keep up appearances. I can think of one of my Facebook friends who always posts adorable Instagram pictures, her rich looking outfits, her cute kid, etc, and literally poses every single image to look perfect. There’s no depth there, and she never posts anything that gives us a glimpse into her personal thoughts or struggles.
Not saying that’s right or wrong, but she’s definitely using social media to create an appearance for herself, instead of trying to be personal.
I can’t help but wonder how many people are truly deceptive in the way they present themselves online as “exciting” people. Perhaps I’m a bit naive for thinking so, but it doesn’t seem that many people – at least in my circle – try to put on a front via social media. But, then again, maybe I’m just easily duped.
I agree that people usually want to make their lives seem awesome by only posting upbeat things online, but I don’t think people do it to blatantly lie and mislead. It’s social networking. People don’t usually care to socialize with sad or depressing people, so people tend to post things that are fun and exciting so that people will want to socialize with them.