Week 11 - Social Networks

            I think many people use Facebook to obtain a sense of self-satisfaction. They want to post about things there are passionate about or accomplishments they are proud of, hoping that others will show that they are happy for them by simply clicking a “Like” button. People post pictures from their vacation or wedding or first day at college for the world to see, because it feels good when others like your posts. For instance, one of my friends, let’s call this person Bob, makes frequent posts about various events in his life. Bob posts that he just declared his major and is so happy about it. He made another post to show off his friends in the recent event they’re involved in. I feel like such things would be better shared with close friends in person, rather than looking for approval from a crowd of people he barely knows.

            People also like to post opinions that they might not discuss too much in real life.

For example, I have one another friend who solely posts long-winded speeches about why the current government administration is ruining the country, among other political topics. I will say I do not know this person too well in real life, but I have to imagine this is a kind of virtual personality. The person probably does not want to be known for their strong political bias in real life, but posts such things on Facebook in hopes that someone will agree.

            I can’t help but feel that a Facebook page fails to represent the creator in real life. The information on a Facebook profile is limited to certain categories. Moreover, a person’s posts do not provide an adequate representation of what a person is actually like. My one friend is deeper than just the political discussions they always post. I think people like to use Facebook because they have the option to create a different personality online. They can post about more controversial topics or life events because they won’t have to physically see people’s reactions. Additionally, Facebook has “Dislike” button, only a “Like” option, so people don’t worry about negative feedback on their opinions, feelings, or accomplishments.

            Genders are still prominent in the Facebook profiles people create. A female will likely still try to act like a traditional female on Facebook, and only like pages that a female would like. A male will likely do the same, and avoid liking things like Barbie dolls and instead like pages about sports. Although it is a constructed online profile, people will usually still act according to what society expects in terms of traditional gender roles.