Facebook vs Myspace (Response to Sept. 17 class)

What I found most interesting about last class was our discussion of how social networking affects our identity and the issue of class in Myspace vs. Facebook. I think the use of social networking sites can be either good or bad, because it can allow one to change and lie about their identity, but it can also allow people to be more open and to foster closer relationships.

There are countless examples of people who use Facebook or Myspace to create a new identity, probably because they are not happen with their true self. These people might post a provocative profile picture and make up interests and status postings to make themselves seem cooler. This can also be harmful because users can become dehumanized and may hurtful or inappropriate things to people that they would never say to their face.

On the other hand, many people present their Facebook as a true representation of themselves and use it to share and learn information about both old and new friends. These people post truthful updates about what is going on in their lives, share pictures with friends and family and communicate with and befriend people with common interests. In this way, Facebook can help solidify one’s identity rather than alter it.

Lastly, I think the book brought up a very interesting point about how Myspace and Facebook are associated with different class distinctions. I admit, I have often thought this myself, although I think it is likely an unfair stereotype. I generally associate Facebook with academic connections, such as connecting and reconnecting with new and old classmates. Also, Facebook was originally established for college and high school students to connect (although it has since been opened up to everyone). Myspace, on the other hand, can be used by anyone and makes it much easier to alter one’s identity since the user can choose their own username (rather than your real name, which Facebook uses) and customize their page however they want. Also, I generally think of Facebook as being used to communicate with people you already know, whereas on Myspace it is common to “friend” random people you have never met. For these reasons, Myspace is often seen as lower class and “trashy”. Although I’m sure there are many exceptions and users who do not fit these stereotypes, there seems to be a general opinion that Myspace is of a lower class than Facebook.