The role of social networking technology

Over the past weekend I was struck by one news article that exemplifies the power of social networking technology. The article explains how a large group of people who are communicating through Myspace (and other platforms)aim to inspire an anorexic-like eating disorder for those who are trying to loose weight desperately (here is the link to the article). From this perspective we can see how Myspace is much more than just a way to communicate. Most interestingly, the news article directed the argument in favour of removing groups of this kind from Myspace and Facebook ('Facebook failed to respond to our questions').

Instead, we should be using this platform to understand how individuals account for their eating disorders amidst a (apparently) safe community. In this social space we can see how individuals are 'trading tips' on eating behaviours. Myspace offers a unique opportunity to build on the sense of belonging that individuals feel within the online culture to understand how eating disorders are socially constructed in online interaction. It represents the role of social networking as a prominent resource of information and support in developing illnesses, such as, anorexia. This article left me feeling a far cry from the days when Myspace was just harmless chatting online. But, it is crucial that we keep all research in this area participant focused and not be inclined to close the Myspace related groups. This will ultimately lead to groups of this nature seeking alternative means to communicate. Instead, we should relinquish this opportunity to understand the unique social dynamics of how people maintain eating disorders. This could be empirically seen in the language used in anorexic groups online.

From this article I am also keen to explore the practice of eating (that can only physically take place offline) is mediated into the online communication. It is a neat example of how a completely intrinsic offline practice becomes the quintessential piece of information that is invoked in the online discourse.