Friendster or Fakester?

I reckon Donath and Boyd (2004) idea of "public displays of connections" is a very interesting element of the social networking sites. As mentioned in the reading, the expanded network serves as an authenticity tool to validate one's true identity. We can usually tell if a profile is completely bogus and fake by looking at the activities and common friends.

A Revelation
Although I am aware of the 'fakesters' out there, it does not really strikes me that I am somewhat insofar a 'fakester' too. SNS allows us to have the ultimate control of the contents on our profiles from the display photos to the messages we share on the pages online. Thus, we have the privilege to omit information that is genuine but could tarnish the impression we set to achieve in the eys of those who can access your profile. For instance, I would never post up an unflattering photo of myself and I even cringe when my friend tag a photo of me loooking like a famished llama which I untagged in a jiffy, knowing that hundreds of people would see it. I did not even realise that I am developing some sheer sense of narcissism, attempting to create a profile that depicts the better side of me. Saying that reminded me of a section in the reading which mentione that Frienster was first created to compete with a rival dating site. Creating a favourable profile to attract potential dates and even though its objectives are not limited to merely meeting dates, we subconciously are letting what we perceive others will think of us as a guide to the ways we act and behave on SNSs.

So, why are we so self concious? The level of attractiveness is very much at play in today's SNSs. I came across a few acquiantance of mine with Facebook profiles that are bombarded with frivolous pictures of themselves, some even digitally enhanced. And with the 'LIKE' tool, people would take time to express that they like the photo and even comment on those self photos. I think that creates a sense of confidence and satisfaction in one's self, knowing that all these compliments are visible to others too.

*edited 27/9
In relation to the readings, the SNS provides the user an opportunity to express their individualistic traits and to enhance and customise their profiles. As the control is in the user's hand, anyone could have create a profile with fabricated information of themselves. Although there is an age limitation in order to create a profile in Facebook, there is no legitimate or credible verfication needed to verify users's age. It is obvious the unlimited exposure to the open public social domain and inappropriate materials shared on SNSs are not suitable for minor's consumption and that is probably why there is an age constraint in the first place. However, the privacy and safety of young users are still questionable with the rise of online stalkers and pedophiles that masquerade their true identities. Once, I saw a parent speaking on the Today's show urging parents to have a SNS profile and to keep on a look out on what their kids are doing online. Some parents retorted and argued that it would be invading their children's privacy and probably straint the relationship between them and their children. As blogs and news feed features are integrated into SNSs, it is considered a very private space for children to express themselves and rant without their guardians' intervention. There are both sides to the argument and it is definitely an issue we should be pondering on.

The Fabrication of Individualised Intimacy

Thoughts in relation to Palmer (2003) reading:
Nothing is free in this profit driven society we are in. Personalisation in many events disguises the business companies’ marketing scheme. Take Facebook for instance, we are given a portal to express who we are, things we like, choose which applications and which fan page we like to support. From these seemingly innocent and harmless fun activities on a public domain, business companies are segmenting and targeting their potential customers. As Facebook draws its revenues from advertisements on their web pages, it establishes a symbiosis relationship with companies who wish to reach their target audience. As mentioned in class this week, Facebook provides them with detailed information on how Facebook users navigate the page and the activities they are engaged in.
Moreover, I am pretty sure we are aware of the cliché tag lines companies use to ensure potential customers that they will be treated with privilege. “The red carpet experience”, the term “VIP” and membership are few of the examples they use to encourage consumers to purchase whatever they are promoting. People usually fall for it despite the overused line as we wanted to be treated differently. I don’t know about others but getting a personalized letter with my name on it is rather an intriguing and gratifying feeling even though we know hundreds of these same letters are sent to others. Thus, our narcissism is an ultimate marketing tool as we indirectly prefer some sort of personalization and customization.
Another example I could think of is the Xbox gaming console. Personalization is emphasized heavily as users are able to create their very own avatar from choosing their features to picking their wardrobes. As I recalled, it was a very exciting experience as I can customize the avatar to look as identical to me. And realizing our need to unlock more options, we can purchase more gadgets, features and clothes for our avatar through their marketplace via Xbox Live (online) from time to time. Thus, cashing in more revenues to the developer’s account.
It is true that we appear to be in control but we must always be aware and cautious of the underlying motives of the profit driven companies. It is no longer the traditional way of business where suppliers meet the demands of the consumer. It could be argued that the suppliers are now influencing and promoting potential consumers’ desires to meet the companies’ supplies discreetly. Masking behind these so called personalised gestures and tactics.

*edited 27/9
In the reading, Castells' argument that the Internet is "the material support for networked individualism" further enhanced the crucial role of personalisation in conducting business online. Thus, when we purchase a Dell laptop online, we are allowed to choose the specific specs that are catered to our own individual needs. If we are an avid gamer, a better graphics card could be integrated in the laptop and so on. The question we should ask ourselves while purchasing products online is are we subconciously drawn by the personalisation notion into purchasing stuff that we want rather than the essentials and end up spending way too much. Is that ethical to manipulate our desires through endless repetitive suggestions as a marketing tool? Then again, we as end users must be aware of these marketing stunts and not let ourselves got carried away.

Seeking Solace in a Foreign Place

Thoughts in relation to Meyrowitz (2004) reading:

The idea of locality as a backdrop rather than a physical place we must engage and commit to could be applied to students studying abroad. ‘There is no essential connection between the physical setting we are in and the mediated experiences we are having in that location.’ As international students often communicate and keep in touch with their families back in their home country, the physical space they are currently at is nothing more than a backdrop for students to engage in interactions through an array of media. Often like mentioned in the reading, we find ourselves describing and relaying information regarding the place we are currently at and what we were doing to someone communicating to us from a distant place. Moreover, students have the privilege to choose their level of commitment towards the location they are currently at. International student might not need to commit to the local community or express their concerns over local news as they receive up to date news on their own countries via a call back home or browsing their countries’ news site online. Thus, further strengthens Meyrowitz’s idea of locality as a backdrop. I’ve met a couple of international students who do not seem to be aware of what is going on in Victoria and some do not even know who is the Prime Minister of Australia. Besides that, some might find it difficult to fit in with the locals and seek solace in familiar sights and voices from their own country through communication devices.

However, while some might not be interested in news on the foreign place they are at, some might beg to differ. Travelling became such a common activity among the globalized society, that it no longer seems like we are bounded to the ongoing and history of our birthplace. In fact, we are now offered a myriad of options in terms of information we want to access. For instance, a student from Thailand might be yearning to study at the United States due to the exposure of the American programmes in her country. No doubt she will be aware of the news ongoing in the States even as she travels there to pursue her studies. The relocations of locality are nothing new in our modern society as global information is publicise. The migrating trend is increasingly popular over the years now as people are now more willing to abandon their locality for another in hopes of a better life.

We are now free to pick what suits our aspirations and interests. Also, we can exit the physical place we are at psychologically; resorting in alternative ways to seek what reflects us as a person and what makes us feel comfortable. In a nutshell, the physical space we are at does not necessary serves its purpose other than a space where we utilize mediated experiences whether to quench our thirst for information, support or for our social purposes.