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.