On On-Line Social Networking

[mlerules]

I've been ruminating on the purposes and goals of on-line social networking recently as I've been wandering around in FaceBook these past few days. I have some thoughts that'll likely spill/spew forth here before long. This pretty well sums up what I do NOT care for about it.

Why do YOU use FaceBook and/or LJ and/or MySpace and/or whatEVER? What goals do you have in using it/whatEVER (if any)? What needs do you hope to fulfill/have fulfilled? What do you want to, hope to, and actually GET out of it? What's it FOR, in your opinion? (And what's IT?) I'm curious and'd really like to know, as it might help shed some light on these issues for myself. (And because generating and engaging in at least some slightly more in-depth discussion/conversation is something I value and prefer LJ for over FB, at least so far.)

Comments

[sidhefire.livejournal.com]

This is something I've thought about a lot recently as well. I have profiles on all sorts of social networks in addition to LJ; but all of those other ones are really just place holders directing people to my live journal. This is the only online account that I maintain on any regular basis. I blog for a few reasons. Part of it is that my memory has gotten sort of sloppy as I've gotten older. I forget a lot of things. Having a record of what I've done and when is very helpful. Another part of the reason I use a public journal is a feeling of accountability. Whether it's true or not, I feel as though people read what I write, so there is a sense in my mind of expectation. It keeps me posting. My live journal is the medium that I have maintained with the most consistency and for the longest period of time. I also feel like, because I am able to live an alternative lifestyle completely openly, I would like to be able to share what that is like; and the fact that it is a valid and healthy choice for a lifestyle.

And then of course there is the laziness factor. It's much easier to make one post about what is going on in my life then it is to email, write or call the 50 or so people that I keep in touch with on a regular basis.

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

Thanks - it's good hearing your take on all this. Sorta hard to believe I've been LJ'ing for over four (4) years now! It was really LJ which let us get to know each other to start with, before we met in person...and given geography and schedules it's useful for keeping in touch. Looking forward to seeing you some on Sunday face-to-face. :-)