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Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: stupidguy2 ()
Date: May 11, 2011 00:20

I was wondering: who here has a Facebook?

I finally saw "The Social Network". Great film and it validated all my skepticism about Facebook. I realize that this is an actor's portrayal, but after about 20 minutes into the film, I suspected that this Zuckerman kid, while brilliant, might be a narcissistic sociopath or at least has some kind of subtle Aspergers or Autistic tendencies.
Most people I know have a Facebook, Im one of the last holdouts. It can be a good thing, like my older sister and cousins who have reconnected to friends from school etc...it's like a new toy for them.
But I also see younger people, like my 19-year old niece and co-wrokers, use it like a personal forum. Like every thought that pops into their mind has to be expressed and displayed for posterity. It seems like an incredibly self-absorbed excercise. Is Facebook different than this board or others? To me, its different, but that's selective thinking. And do you think it is creating a more self-centered generation. I do. Older people use it, like I said before, as a genuine social network, but younger kids - this is all they know and I wonder if they're losing some social skills along with it.
Any thoughts? Because I intend to hold out on Facebook.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Justin ()
Date: May 11, 2011 00:35

It shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's a place to put up thoughts, videos, pictures and jokes to share amongst your own group of friends--not the entire world. You may not care if some stranger is having a bad day but you would be interested if it were a friend of yours. It gives people a chance to keep tabs on people, see how they're doing and continue some kind of minimal relationship with old friends and acuaintances.

I have friends from grammar school that I'm friends with on FB...I don't really talk to them but we wish each other Happy Birthday here and there and comment on things here and there...just about what our relationship requires.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Green Lady ()
Date: May 11, 2011 00:50

No Facebook. No Twittering. I just can't believe anybody else would be in the least interested in a minute-by-minute account of my thoughts, feelings and actions. Also, of course, the whole performance is just too much like hard work.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: stupidguy2 ()
Date: May 11, 2011 00:52

Quote
Justin
It shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's a place to put up thoughts, videos, pictures and jokes to share amongst your own group of friends--not the entire world. You may not care if some stranger is having a bad day but you would be interested if it were a friend of yours. It gives people a chance to keep tabs on people, see how they're doing and continue some kind of minimal relationship with old friends and acuaintances.

I have friends from grammar school that I'm friends with on FB...I don't really talk to them but we wish each other Happy Birthday here and there and comment on things here and there...just about what our relationship requires.

I get that. But you, im assuming, are older. I think that makes a difference. It is a good thing. My sister has reconnected to a network of old school friends. For her, its a way to be connected and share stuff with other relatives she doesn't see as often as she would like. Thats the great part of it. But younger kids, I see alot of posturing. Its more a 'look how clever I am' as opposed to 'I haven't seen this person in years..' Maybe im just old, I don't know. But I just don't have a desire to talk about me, me, me everyday.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: stupidguy2 ()
Date: May 11, 2011 00:56

Quote
Green Lady
No Facebook. No Twittering. I just can't believe anybody else would be in the least interested in a minute-by-minute account of my thoughts, feelings and actions. Also, of course, the whole performance is just too much like hard work.

Exactly! I don't get that and truly believe it's, at its core, a narcissistic pursuit. Zuckerman apparently started it because he had been rebuked by a girl and used it as a way to get back at her. And like you said, its too much trouble.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Beast ()
Date: May 11, 2011 01:16

Quote
stupidguy2
Quote
Green Lady
No Facebook. No Twittering. I just can't believe anybody else would be in the least interested in a minute-by-minute account of my thoughts, feelings and actions. Also, of course, the whole performance is just too much like hard work.

Exactly! I don't get that and truly believe it's, at its core, a narcissistic pursuit. Zuckerman apparently started it because he had been rebuked by a girl and used it as a way to get back at her. And like you said, its too much trouble.

thumbs upthumbs up to all of the above.

I've also long held out against pressure to join and remain unconvinced by any of the arguments in favour, especially after a friend recently showed me a page - I couldn't believe the irrelevant drivel that people were writing! The Social Network was a great film, but also another turn-off to joining FB and very sad.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: stupidguy2 ()
Date: May 11, 2011 01:25

Quote
Beast
The Social Network was a great film, but also another turn-off to joining FB and very sad.

It definitely validated my opposition to it. The Rooney Mara character, the girl who rejected Zuckerberg, had the best lines, seemed to be the conscience of the film. People are always making me read their pages.....and all I see is a reality TV show all about them.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: angee ()
Date: May 11, 2011 01:39

Remember that the script was adapted from a book which essentially made up a few things to heighten the drama, like the rejection by the girl. Zuckerberg has stated that he was seeing the same young woman steadily before and after Facebook and she has confirmed that.

I see two sides to it. The younger people have grown up with the internet, with their own laptops, with cell phones, chat, IMs, and now rampant texting. They are used to instant contact with their friends, and the ability to quickly publish their photos and videos. I don't think we really know yet how all that has affected them, their relationships and their subcultures. There does seem to be a self-centeredness there, but then again, haven't young people always had a rather myopic vision of the world, a strong preference for their own kind, for each other, or at least since the youth culture came about? As I read my younger relatives on FB and Twitter, I do see a competitive snarkiness too, but again, is that a trait compounded by technology or just a quality of the demographic?

To me, a social network is different than an online community, much more centered around each individual member.

(Edited for better formatting.)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011-05-11 03:29 by angee.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: keefbajaga ()
Date: May 11, 2011 01:45

facebook = 1984 (George Orwell) and maybe even "Auschwitz"

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Justin ()
Date: May 11, 2011 01:50

Quote
stupidguy2
Quote
Justin
It shouldn't be taken too seriously. It's a place to put up thoughts, videos, pictures and jokes to share amongst your own group of friends--not the entire world. You may not care if some stranger is having a bad day but you would be interested if it were a friend of yours. It gives people a chance to keep tabs on people, see how they're doing and continue some kind of minimal relationship with old friends and acuaintances.

I have friends from grammar school that I'm friends with on FB...I don't really talk to them but we wish each other Happy Birthday here and there and comment on things here and there...just about what our relationship requires.

I get that. But you, im assuming, are older. I think that makes a difference. It is a good thing. My sister has reconnected to a network of old school friends. For her, its a way to be connected and share stuff with other relatives she doesn't see as often as she would like. Thats the great part of it. But younger kids, I see alot of posturing. Its more a 'look how clever I am' as opposed to 'I haven't seen this person in years..' Maybe im just old, I don't know. But I just don't have a desire to talk about me, me, me everyday.

Well, I'm 26 so my generation is all about Facebook. And all of my friends use it in so many different ways. It's no different than what we do here on this board. We come here to talk about the Stones, music, discuss a variety of different subjects..have fun. I go on FB and I check out what's going on in the world of my friends. 99% of it is all joking and goofing around with your friends; enjoying pictures of your friends birthday party that you couldn't attend because you live 3000 miles away; commenting on a friend's post about bin Laden's death; showing people your new pet that you just got, putting up funny videos you found on YouTube, telling everyone that you broke your foot... it goes on and on. It's a place for all your friends to be in one place and talk.

People constantly put this negative filter on FB saying "why anyone want to read my thoughts every second?" Well, there's no requirement on how much you post or what you post. Plus, things are different when you read a post from someone you don't know compared to your cousin talking about what her little baby just did a couple minutes ago. If people realized that FB is focused on the people in your life---it would make a little bit more sense.

FB is not for people who spend little time on the computer. FB was born during a student's stay in college, and I eventually joined FB when i was in college. FB was a PERFECT distraction when you were at the library studying, or in your room trying to type a paper. It's perfect for people who have Iphones or smartphones who want to do something when they're on the train, waiting for the bus or in line on the bank. If you don't have one of these phones, or have a very limited relationship with computers/internet--the idea of FB is a chore. For those who spend most of their day with these items...FB is a logical diversion.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: MadMax ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:03

Fb is evil stuff, I got it, rarely visit it though, enjoying it to a certain extent as I can keep in contact with friends in different parts of the world but let me put it this way, it wouldn't have helped Ronnie...

You're a rag trade girl, You're the queen of porn, You're the easiest lay on the white house lawn!!

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: tonterapi ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:12

Since I'm pretty young I often get the question "Do you have FB?" Christ no, why?
My co-workers all have at least 70 friends and more each but only chat with the ones they are closest with and meet regularly IRL. The rest of the so called friends - old school mates and what have you - have no contact with them at all. After the usual "How are you? What are you doing now? Have you still got any contact with ***?" it's back to the same as it was before FB. Some of my co-workers log on a lot but doesn't do much there. I asked one of them why he kept logging in and not do any updates and he said that it was fun in the beginning but you loose interest in it. But he just couldn't stop logging in to the damn thing. Brainwash?

Well, I don't know. I also look at it as a modern form of 1984 but people sign up of free will. But then I don't have any friends really and I have my family near. At least I don't see the point for someone like me to get FB at all.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: DaveG ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:17

You have touched a nerve with me. You ask if it is creating a more self-centered generation. I think this generation is already self-centered but FB is certainly magnifying it, and now there are millions of people who think their thoughts matter.

I have FB and look at it daily. However, I rarely post my status, and occasionally comment on somebody else's. I have hidden about half of my "friends" because I can't take much more "I'm at Starbucks", "I am taking a walk" sort of worthless bulls**t. I have a close, dear friend whom I have hidden because of his "Here is my son getting an award at school", "look at my new goatee", etc. WHO CARES??????? When I see husbands and wives wishing each other a happy anniversary or birthday, and telling them how wonderful they are, I wonder if they can see at all how indulgent that is. Are they posting it for their spouse to see or so that everyone else can see it??? Come on.

It definitely has its plusses, and I have become reacquainted with some great people. I have engaged in some good discussions. So, I don't think it's all bad. But it really does create the illusion that random thoughts matter, that uninteresting events throughout the day are somehow interesting to somebody.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: The Worst. ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:22

Quote
keefbajaga
facebook = 1984 (George Orwell) and maybe even "Auschwitz"

A lot of good points in this debate, but Facebook = Auschwitz????

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: MadMax ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:24

DaveG, you are totally spot on! Couldn't have said it better myself!!

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: tatters ()
Date: May 11, 2011 02:25

Nobody over the age of 50 has any business being on Facebook. It makes you appear creepy.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: angee ()
Date: May 11, 2011 03:31

Quote
DaveG


I have FB and look at it daily. However, I rarely post my status, and occasionally comment on somebody else's. I have hidden about half of my "friends" because I can't take much more "I'm at Starbucks", "I am taking a walk" sort of worthless bulls**t...

It definitely has its plusses, and I have become reacquainted with some great people. I have engaged in some good discussions...

Ditto.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: MKjan ()
Date: May 11, 2011 03:40

Facebook and "The Social Network"...? NO!


but there is something called fcukbook, well worth a look.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: stupidguy2 ()
Date: May 11, 2011 05:17

Quote
angee
As I read my younger relatives on FB and Twitter, I do see a competitive snarkiness too, but again, is that a trait compounded by technology or just a quality of the demographic?

Quote


Yes, the snarkiness is a big part of it and to me that's even worse because snark is rooted in a certain cynicism and arrogance and my younger family members seem to revel in it. That's even more disturbing because everything is a joke to them or a joke waiting to happen.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: sweetcharmedlife ()
Date: May 11, 2011 06:21

I recently joined Facebook at the urging of a friend who actually did the signing up process for me. I was like many others for the longest time. I don't need this crap. Well I'm not about to say that it's changed my life or anything like that. But it's like so many other things in life. Put a little effort and care into it and it can be a positive experience. It's what you make of it. You don't have to be on there 24/7. You don't have to accept a friend request from every Tom,Dick and Harry. Yeah there is way more advertising than I ever want to see. But the positives have been reconnecting with old friends who have drifted apart for various reasons. Talking about what you want to talk about with who you want to talk to.In fact talking to other Stones fans about non Stones topics without someone getting their knickers in a knot about talking about this stuff on a Stones board.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: skipstone ()
Date: May 11, 2011 06:23

Quote
Green Lady
No Facebook. No Twittering. I just can't believe anybody else would be in the least interested in a minute-by-minute account of my thoughts, feelings and actions. Also, of course, the whole performance is just too much like hard work.

It's what YOU make of it, not everyone else. It's up to you, just like these silly threads, to participate.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: skipstone ()
Date: May 11, 2011 06:26

Quote
MadMax
Fb is evil stuff, I got it, rarely visit it though, enjoying it to a certain extent as I can keep in contact with friends in different parts of the world but let me put it this way, it wouldn't have helped Ronnie...

Wrong.

is EVIL.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: BluzDude ()
Date: May 11, 2011 07:55

Within a month of setting up a facebook account, I had 30 to 40 “friends” from high school (which goes back about 35 years). Most of these folks I haven’t said one word to while I was in school, you see there was another person with my same name and all these people thought I was him. But when the “other” me finally joined Facebook, the requests started to slow down.

On a positive note, it has put me in touch with friends I have lost touch with over the years. To me, that has made it worth while.



My wife has a different approach to it. She does not wish to be in contact with anyone going back to her school days that she is not already in touch with. (…if that makes sense)

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: tonterapi ()
Date: May 11, 2011 10:51

Quote
BluzDude
My wife has a different approach to it. She does not wish to be in contact with anyone going back to her school days that she is not already in touch with. (…if that makes sense)
That makes perfect sense to me. I simply don't feel the need to re-establish contact with every person that I've had in my life going back to kindergarten just because it's possible with FB. Maybe I'm old-fashioned but I don't understand why anyone would? Were you really friends with everyone in your class? That's rare.
After the "How are you and what are you doing nowadays?" there usually isn't much more to say. We had a great time back then and that was it. FB is like a virtual high school reunion on steroids and "show off" things like that just make me anxious.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Bliss ()
Date: May 11, 2011 11:18

I like it. I use it to let friends know what I'm doing, see photos of places I've gone to, etc. I do not have a big friends list; they are all actual friends. I have another FB account for family and another for online friends. I make good use of the privacy controls. It saves me having to send emails to numerous people.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Silver Dagger ()
Date: May 11, 2011 11:50

Signed up but then got cold feet when old girlfriends and people I didn't want to hear from again started contacting me.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Thricenay ()
Date: May 11, 2011 12:07

Quote
tatters
Nobody over the age of 50 has any business being on Facebook. It makes you appear creepy.

I take the opposite view. People over 50 have children (and sometimes grandchildren), and they want to keep their friends and extended family up to date with latest domestic news, etc. Facebook is a good way of doing it. It has replaced the long distance phone-call, I suppose, in many families.

It's the teenagers who use Facebook - that's what I don't understand. They communicate with their friends constantly, at school, at work, on the phone, out socialising. Why do they need Facebook as well?

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Koen ()
Date: May 11, 2011 12:54

FB and TWitter are just modern versions of internet discussion fora (such as Tell Me). And usenet was even before that. It's all the same, people have a need to discuss ideas and thoughts with others about subjects that matter to them. You can write and read as much as you want, and if you don't like it, just skip it.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: Big Al ()
Date: May 11, 2011 13:13

Facebook has it's drawbacks, but I'm glad I signed up. I maybe check it for 10 minutes a day. Not everyone on there is an addict with a gazillion friends.

I don't 'get' Twitter, sorry.

Re: Facebook and "The Social Network"...?
Posted by: leteyer ()
Date: May 11, 2011 13:15

It is a garden and a dump...Each one can choose were to have their picnic.

I like a lot of things about FB and I do HATE some others. I can't stand a guy saying to his wife that he misses her. I've seen mi nieces wishing a Happy Mothers day to their moms. Just horrible.

I'm over 50 and I'm "hooked" since late 1994. I don't even remember my life before internet. I don't think that makes me creepy, I'm just a guy living in todays world.

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