Doing research for my MRP has certainly opened my eyes to the way in which Facebook has become a commercial enterprise. Not only are users encouraged to divulge personal information about themselves on their Facebook profiles, but they spend hours of their time uploading photos, posting on their friends walls and using Facebook applications. These actions are the primary source of value for Web 2.0 companies, and Neo Marxist theorists would classify these actions as “free labour.” They would argue that Facebook users are being exploited for the time and energy that goes into producing content, which is then compiled and sold. The articles that have analyzed this aspect of Facebook have been convincing and I often find myself wondering why I have subjected myself to such a thing.
There is no question that Facebook users are becoming increasingly aware of the multiple ways in which Facebook capitalizes on the social interaction of its users. So what exactly keeps us coming back? Although the theorists I have read so far are quite skeptical of Facebook’s tactics, there has not been a theorist yet that denies the gratifying aspect of Facebook. For example, Mark Cote and Jennifer Pybus argue that, “Through the user’s built up network of social relations comes a sense of connectivity and belonging amidst the multiple on-line communities. And it is this sense of connection and participation in something that is larger than one’s self.” Furthermore, Donah Boyd asserts that “Social networking sites enable one to maintain intimate relations among their peers through a shared cultural context that allow youth to solidify their social groups.”
It seems as though these theorists believe that Facebook does have the potential to be a community or at least make people feel as though they are part of one. As argued by Cote and Pybus, social networking sites allow people to feel as though they belong, which is one of the key characteristics of a community.
Barney asserted that “community is impoverished, not necessarily eliminated, by technologically-sponsored worldlessness and that digital media participate in this sponsorship.” While Barney was referring to how digital technologies affect communication and its material setting, I think another factor that could make Facebook an impoverished community is its commercialization. Since many of us know that Facebook has become just another commercial enterprise that surveys what we say and do with the goal of generating revenue, it is no longer just a fun place to hang out and talk to friends. Privacy is compromised on Facebook and I think most people expect a certain level of privacy within their community, where they can share things with one another that they may not want to share with others outside of their community.
There is no denying that Facebook has its perks and remains a powerful force today. However, there are others who believe that the benefits of Facebook do not outweigh the costs. Thus, a growing number of users have decided to flee the site and commit what is now known as “Facebook Suicide” and refuse to never return to what is now the impoverished community known as Facebook.
I agree with your argument, that Facebook can/is becoming an impoverished digital community. While I do agree I was curious how many people commit "Facebook Suicide". Is it enough people to make it an alarming trend. If so, will another community (assuming digital) come along and take Facebook's place? I think that one of the reasons that Facebook has lasted this long without being replaced, unlike other social networking sites that have come and gone, is the ability to integrate so many other aspects of Web 2.0 into one location. While Facebook is about connecting with people, it is also about networking and sharing different aspects of the web with each other. The fact that most websites have the option of linking directly with Facebook, or using your Facebook identity to comment, etc. on another site shows the huge potential for communities that reach beyond personal networks.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article about Facebook suicide, I was intrigued by its contents. In addition to stating the obvious I enjoyed how the article also gave tips and cautioned how to be a user of Facebook and protect your identity. i have thought about ending my Facebook account, merely because as the article stated you don't really make new friends on Facebook. Facebook is mostly about being friends with people you already know and I have a hard time finding community within it. I think the one thing Facebook does allow for is the opportunity for "meet-ups". Events created online allow people to actually meet in person. I find these gatherings to be the most fulfilling. I too would want to find out how many people have committed Facebook suicide to see how people really feel about the online social networking site.
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ReplyDeleteNo. Facebook suicide has not become an alarming trend and there is definately not a global force against Facebook. Those who commit "facebook suicide" are irritated by Facebooks efforts to take user-generated content and convert it into monetary value. I think most people notice how Facebook is increasingly adding new apps or changing their policy in order to make more room to serve companies. However, this is nothing new. I think people have become used to advertisements invading their personal space (just yesterday I saw an advertisement in a washroom stall). So, I highly doubt an enormous amount of people will resort to committing facebook suicide.
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