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.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Tuesday, 14 August 2007
The online 'pub crawl'
In the latest edition of First Monday (here) there was thought provoking article by Nancy Baym entitled 'The New Shape of Online Community: The example of Swedish independent music fandom'. In line with my own research, it was interesting to read about how the online Swedish community mediated their music related fandom through the online community. I also particularly enjoyed how this article avoided the common diversion of lingering on a definition of terms like 'community':
This article concludes with an interesting development on how we study the intersecting nature of social networking technology. This has many implications for future research as already many authors are concerned with the different social aspects of Myspace compared to Facebook. The question is how can we study a range of different online communities empirically? To do this we need a method that transcends a range of different online communication practices.
Another interesting point that Baym draws upon is how are we could understand each of the social networking communities collectively. As it is not simply a case of representing how each online community works, we need a way to understand how people manage their (potential) identities in each social network.
This requires a methodology that understands how each person represents their commitment to a social network in individually significant terms. Therefore, including the use of photoblogs. I would have typically campaigned for a discursive approach, however, it would struggle to account for the impact of photographs.
A form of interactional matrix could be used to empirically study the way each user is tied to a network of differing socially organised communities. The 'pub crawl' metaphor that Nancy uses explains the way individuals effortlessly glide from each online community to the next. Therefore, to study each community in itself, misses the individual significance of being able to transcend a number of different social networks.
Mediation could be an interesting point to begin a discussion on how each person connects with a range of social networks. In Nancy Baym's article the particular online community under scrutiny is connected by an interest in Swedish music. Perhaps, one way we could begin to discuss online communities is how each person manages online relations by mediating different online identities in an appropriate skill and manner. Therefore, at any moment we are searching to empirically reconstruct the affordances that are interactionally meaningful in a range of social networks.
Ultimately it matters less what we call it than how well we understand it.
This article concludes with an interesting development on how we study the intersecting nature of social networking technology. This has many implications for future research as already many authors are concerned with the different social aspects of Myspace compared to Facebook. The question is how can we study a range of different online communities empirically? To do this we need a method that transcends a range of different online communication practices.
Another interesting point that Baym draws upon is how are we could understand each of the social networking communities collectively. As it is not simply a case of representing how each online community works, we need a way to understand how people manage their (potential) identities in each social network.
This requires a methodology that understands how each person represents their commitment to a social network in individually significant terms. Therefore, including the use of photoblogs. I would have typically campaigned for a discursive approach, however, it would struggle to account for the impact of photographs.
A form of interactional matrix could be used to empirically study the way each user is tied to a network of differing socially organised communities. The 'pub crawl' metaphor that Nancy uses explains the way individuals effortlessly glide from each online community to the next. Therefore, to study each community in itself, misses the individual significance of being able to transcend a number of different social networks.
Mediation could be an interesting point to begin a discussion on how each person connects with a range of social networks. In Nancy Baym's article the particular online community under scrutiny is connected by an interest in Swedish music. Perhaps, one way we could begin to discuss online communities is how each person manages online relations by mediating different online identities in an appropriate skill and manner. Therefore, at any moment we are searching to empirically reconstruct the affordances that are interactionally meaningful in a range of social networks.
The London Eye
On Saturday, I took some time to explore London. Although I have visited London before I have rarely actually took the time to explore London's cultural landmarks. It was great to see all those things that us English folk continually take for granted, i.e. the London eye, the changing of the guard and Big Ben.
It was a gorgeous day and I felt thoroughly exhausted by the end of it. I am particularly pleased with my photography - please check out the other snaps on flickr, they are equally impressive as this one of the London Eye.
Friday, 10 August 2007
More on Myspace vs Facebook
In the last post I touched on the idea that there are some obvious social differences between Myspace and Facebook. A recent article on the BBC website quoted Danah Boyd as describing 'technology as mirroring social action'. This has been linked to issues, such as, class and wealth. In the UK, Facebook faciliatates the same role as a more distinguished form of social networking. This could be because Facebook traditionally starts with an offline community that is typically centered around a University. From here the social practices of the university are mediated into the online exchanges. This is a completely different social arrangement to Myspace users as there is no sense of shared belonging that is being mediated into the present social engagement. For Facebook, there is the overwhelming presence of offline repercussion of presenting a inaccurate online identity. Perhaps this is how images of wealth and class become projected in Facebook profiles.
However, some authours have represented the two different styles of networking as evidence that Myspace is growing weaker. As of yet, I am undecided about this distinction. Instead, I tend to favour the idea that Myspace and Facebook merely fulfill different social roles. Facebook mediates that image of the institution through the discourse people use online. Exactly, what we say, is driven towards achieving a particular identity. In this current climate many individuals are interested towards authenticating a link with the image of the university or the offline community from which the online exchanges began.
I know in my recent research I have also found Myspace to mediate offline community actions in the same way. It should be clear that this is not an opportunity to decide whether Myspace is good and facebook is bad, but a chance to reflect on the idea that different form of social networking reflect difference aspects of society. It is definitely no accident that Facebook is now being tipped as the new way of doing business. I imagine for those who are trying to gain employment through their Facebook profile there is going to be a high level of identity work constructed in the organisation of the profile and mediated through the discourse.
However, some authours have represented the two different styles of networking as evidence that Myspace is growing weaker. As of yet, I am undecided about this distinction. Instead, I tend to favour the idea that Myspace and Facebook merely fulfill different social roles. Facebook mediates that image of the institution through the discourse people use online. Exactly, what we say, is driven towards achieving a particular identity. In this current climate many individuals are interested towards authenticating a link with the image of the university or the offline community from which the online exchanges began.
I know in my recent research I have also found Myspace to mediate offline community actions in the same way. It should be clear that this is not an opportunity to decide whether Myspace is good and facebook is bad, but a chance to reflect on the idea that different form of social networking reflect difference aspects of society. It is definitely no accident that Facebook is now being tipped as the new way of doing business. I imagine for those who are trying to gain employment through their Facebook profile there is going to be a high level of identity work constructed in the organisation of the profile and mediated through the discourse.
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Never Too Old
It is a common misconception that social networking technologies are a young mans game. I know that in the short time that I have been studying this phenomenon I have been struck by the range of ages I have seen on different profiles. The work that I am conducting at the moment involves gathering a large amount of data from Myspace. At present the oldest the age I have came across is in the sixties and the rest of the information on that particular page 'fits the profile'. Thus, avoiding the mundane criticism that you can never know anybodies true age in Myspace. I think there are some overwhelming advantages of social networking for an older generation (e.g. physical difficulties). This could definitely benefit well being and quality of life.
It reminds me of a television programme I saw recently following 'The Zimmers': Here an enthusiastic group of elderly people united to cover The Who's 'My Generation'. It was a fantastic success and I remember being struck by the isolation of one lady in particular named Winnie (a 99 year old who confessed to not having left her flat in three years). This begs the question, does social networking technology have the ability to reach these people? I definitely feel that it does. The beauty of the web 2.0 generation is the simplicity of the websites. I think with a small amount of help social networking could dramatically increase in the older age categories.
Although, yes, Myspace is used predominantly by younger people, I feel it could be a wonderful resource for the older generations. What stories would be exchanged online? How would someone slightly older like a profile to look? All fantastic questions that I hope become part of understanding social networking as a whole.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Myspace in the UK
After posting all over the place on my friends blogs I thought it was about time that I got one of my own - and in my support of one of the first free pieces of blog software I am using blogger (but I may upgrade to my own domain name soon). I am not completely sure of the layout yet, but I'm sure that will come with time. My research focuses on the use of social networking technologies in everyday interactions. I am working from a social psychological perspective, so of course, I am immediately interested in core issues of community and identity. I am try to incorporate a range of technological insights into my understanding of online communities and this has led me to currently be interested in blogging in Myspace. Alongside the methodological argument I will be presenting at AoIR in October, I am keen to keep studying in the fluid social landscape of Myspace interaction. The popularity of other social networking sites (e.g. Facebook) has caused a decline in academic Myspace interest. Although, Myspace in the UK still acts as a formidable source of social networking as Myspace has surpassed 10m users in the UK per month. This is a staggering figure and even though many will be using facebook and bebo, it seems that users still find time to 'catch up' on their Myspace profiles. This encourages the idea that Myspace and Facebook fulfill different social roles in terms of interactional practices. Many of the profiles that exist on Facebook map directly to real life (RL), but Myspace seems freeer to expolre alternative identities that are more difficult to maintain in Facebook.
However, the article publicises that this Myspace popularity is going to be relatively short lived and the increase use of Facebook is beginning to show. In a cultural climate that is perpetually concerned with the privacy issues there are some obvious advantages of Facebook compared to Myspace. The sheer amount of users of Myspace shows that it is not ready to welcome the sea of change just yet and this leave the interesting social question of what people get out of Myspace that they do not from Facebook? Methodologically this could be an interesting case for studying discourse and the different ways the landscape is organised.
More to come later...
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