As with most media, there are positives and negatives to the internet. That has been a central theme of this course thus far, as we have explored the supposed – and, often simply assumed – pros and cons. I believe that one of the greatest benefits of taking this course is that it helps students developed an informed, balanced view of the internet. These studies, specifically, discuss these ideas as the relate to SNSs.
It was interesting that the Ellison, Steinfield, and Lampe study examined the difference many of us feel between those Facebook friends who are simply our friends on Facebook and “actual friends.” More interesting, though, were their findings which showed that those who didn’t qualify as actual friends didn’t have a lot of social value. “…the number of Facebook Friends alone did not predict bridging social capital, but the number of actual friends did.” This seems as if it should be obvious. Let’s be real, what do we really stand to gain from being connected with people we don’t really know? Maybe we simply want to satisfy our curiosities, or maybe we just like being able to say we have over 1,000 friends. It’s probably both. But, whatever the reasons may be, it’s helpful to have quantifiable evidence to reflect on that reminds us it is true friendships and real relationships that truly matter, not just that little box that reads, “1,576 friends.” That’s real social capital. It’s “the more the merrier,” because everyone could use another good friend. But, it’s also the sort of capital that isn’t just about numbers.
The Norris study comes a hopeful conclusion when it begins discussing the possibility that the “linkages” between diverse groups of people who participate in online communities. However, this begs questions like, “How many people still participate in online communities versus how many people utilize social media?” and, in turn, “How many people view and use social media as communities, and interact with diverse groups of people?”
I really agree with your blog, and I think that at the end of the day when one needs something it is the actual relationships that one has that will be there for someone. The person that we do not talk to might not even care what you are going through. So, having him/her as a friend was pointless, they were really never your friends.
You bring up a great point about how social capitol really boils down to the actual good friends you have. It doesn’t matter if you have 1,500 Facebook friends if none of them are willing to help you out. It can be hard to find good friends, but once you have a community of people who genuinely care about each other, together you can accomplish some great things.
Good post! I agree that it all comes down to the actual real friends you have because if you was in trouble the 1000 of people that you have friended on Facebook would not matter. A friend sticks closer than a brother so regardless if you have lots of friends on Facebook or followers on twitter who can you actually depend on.
Some people they like to have a long list of friends even if they don’t participate with most of them or have any seriouse relationship just to show off and tell their real friends that they are loved and that they have attractive personality, but in fact , they have unattractive personality in their real life that’s why they are faking it online because online it is easier to fake your identity since no one can see you.
I remember hearing people say “I have over a thousand friends on Facebook” a lot when Facebook first came out. I think, for many people, the number of “friends” they amass online makes them feel better about their life. Discussions about the friends list on Facebook always reminds me of an old South Park episode in which the boys have to pick and choose who to friend, and how their friends list will affect their offline social standing. I don’t think Facebook still holds that pull over people now, as evidenced in these posts and comments. People seem to keep their friends list to actual friends now, which is really cool. Its still an interesting topic of discussion though!
I really enjoy the perspective your commentary has brought to this issue. It is mentioned sparingly in the readings.
I have similar feelings about way about extraneous connections. If you can’t recall why you added them and they get buried in your list, then how will you remember to call upon their resources? I think there is potential, but they are not as likely to be supportive as your actual friends or stronger connections.
http://youtu.be/3VVKsoZv7uY
Demetri Martin – I’ve Got 9000 Friends