User generated content sites allows anyone and everyone to share with the world, really what ever they want to. It is a chance for people to express themselves without being edited like other types of media, which links back to Turkles’ idea of the internet and freedom. From discussions I’ve had or heard when it comes to sites like ‘YouTube’ it’s more about creating fun for other people to view over the internet. It’s become such a phenomenon that there’s even a Channel 4 programme devoted to the most recent, most humorous videos added to ‘YouTube.’
In terms of social-networking sites, the most popular one between my seminar peers is ‘Facebook’. I’ve been on Facebook for about two years, and initially joined as the impression I was given was it was a site mainly used by University students, however, since joining from what I’ve noticed is that the age ranges of Facebook have increased to young adults – middle aged users. Facebook can be called an online community, if applied to Preece’s summary of most online communities then Facebook does involve “joining and leaving the community, receiving and reading messages, composing and sending messages, searching for messages, information and people on archives, and consulting additional sources i.e. web-pages.” (Online Communities, 2001, page 218.) Moreover, when looking at communities Facebook allows for people to join networks which are sorted through means of things like; city, workplaces, different regions, school, and social events.
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RINCY :D
ReplyDeleteI agree that Facebook has definately spread it wings from when I first began to use it, with older family members using it and alot more people who not of our generation.
ReplyDeleteHowever, rather than seeing Facebook as an online community, I'm more inclinded to call it a network of online communities because although it is possible to communicate with people in a different network, it's mainly about discovering people you already know.
In addition, I rarely find that I communicate with people who I don't know IRL, so is it more of a reflection of an existing community, rather than an online community in it's own right?
I do agree with you to some extent Kayley but I think that the communication and interaction over the internet is different to that IRL. Also, there are people that do use networking sites to meet new people, which they wouldn't be able to do so easily in 'meatspace.'
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point Cara. It's so easy to 'add' people on thinhs such as MSN or Facebook. Strangely you don't always wonder why people are adding you even when you ahve no idea who they are. It's strange how the idea of adding people is aceptable on the internet whereas approaching random people in meatspace could be seen as strange.
ReplyDeletehi cara :)
ReplyDeletePeople act differently on the internet than IRL- i always seem to forget that fact but it's quite important- like amy says, adding someone that you don't know on myspace etc is normal, but IRL would be slightly odd!
I still don't know where i stand on whether i think facebook is a community or not. I don't really feel a SOC- that i can be influenced, or that i feel a sense of belonging etc, but maybe this happens on a subconsious level? Such as whether you get an event invitation or not?! Then again, I agree with Kayley that I use facebook mainly to make quick comments to people I already know that are never of much importance- maybe just to keep in contact with them etc.
its a tricky one...i don't know!
sorry for the long post btw lol hope you're good xx
Another cool thread provoked by a good posting Cara!
ReplyDeleteElsewhere (I think it was you) took a hard line on 'like-minded people' of restricted age-range and focused interest posting to each other -and said it didn't make it into the 'virtual community' bracket. What's different about Facebook groups?
This could just be my perception of online communities but I would say that facebook groups may have a higher "sense of community." I know that this is my personal opinion, and maybe I am biased because I am part of Facebook.
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