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

[serenfire.livejournal.com]

Excellent question tickle!

I initially joined LJ many years ago, prompted by a friend who now seldom uses it. I'm a journal newbie and while I understand the contemplative personal power they offer, I find I don't make the time unless it's very very convenient. So LJ combines for me a space where I put my thoughts and events now and again into typed words AND it's a space where I choose what communication broadcasting level is right for the topic. Friends only? Me only? The whole world?

I joined MySpace because my young teen daughter is on it, and while my older kids are on it and watch her postings and activities, I felt it was my responsibility to understand the gateways and technologies used by "the younger crowd" and to dabble in it much like I'm involved with her other social and networking arenas.

FaceBook was introduced to me by my older daughter, and I prefer it to MySpace (quicker, easier to figure out, easier to find people that I know, both inside the family and outside in various circles, past and present). It's where I go my actual name, but because of the bi-section of many circles and it's abbreviated style, I'm still working on whether it's a benefit (quick, easy, on-the-surface, but more broad) or if it's just a time-waster.

I prefer semi-anonymity for my deeper shared thoughts and fears.
(most of my friend list knows who I really am....) :)

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

Thx for adding your voice to the mix. I appreciate the input. :-)