Digital Nation

Whither the Individual?

As we join groups and social networks from affinity sites to Facebook, are we extending and expanding  identities, or increasingly conforming to the cookie-cutter profiles demanded of these interfaces? Is the loss of "personal space" and "reflection" so many users complain of merely the necessary surrender of "ego" as we learn to participate as members of a more evolved "collective organism" of "hyper-people?"

(you may want to re-watch "bubbie" and "warcraft" sections of digital nation)

Just as it is safe to say that social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, ect. Have expanded our ability to connect with people around the world, I would say that it has also expanded our identities.  A person’s Facebook page acts as an extension of one’s self that knows no borders or limitations.  Whereas in the everyday world, we are restricted by responsibilities such as work, school or sleep, while a Facebook account acts as a limitless medium that never sleeps.  Despite “cookie-cutter” profiles that these websites design for us, there are infinite possibilities for users to construct, personalize and extend themselves on their servers.  Very few limitations exist that keep us from generating friendships across the globe with individuals from any nation.  They say that if Facebook were a country that would have the third largest population in the world.  I see this as an intriguing fact because it has such a substantial following that you can connect with just about anyone, including people that you would never get the opportunity to know or meet in person.  I feel as though these social networking websites act as a means for us to communicate on a large scale and do not support the idea that such a convenient communication medium could somehow reduce our identities.  Also in terms of individual’s using social networking sites, I feel as though there are so many possibilities and endless potential to personalize your profiles that it encourages individuality.  This sense of individuality transcends the cookie-cutter profiles by allowing users to control pictures, videos, friends, information and other variables. 

            Despite the loss of a tangible “personal space,” I feel that in this era a sense of personal space exists online.  Even though a Facebook profile can be seen, visited or commented on by mostly anyone, it is still a place that exists that is devoted to an individual.  My belief of an online personal space is more of a literal interpretation of the term than the one we are used to in real life.  Real life personal space refers to the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs.  In contrast, my idea of “personal space” online describes a page or profile that is dedicated to personal information.  In other words, it is a space dedicated to your person that does not just exist psychologically but physically exists. 

            I also disagree with the idea of an “ego” loss due to social networking.  Despite millions of people being thrown into a mix and existing under one server, I feel as though egos will never cease to exist.  A person’s ego is their recognition of being an individual and a sense of self-worth or importance.  Although we are all members of a social network, it is important to embrace and express yourself as an individual.  There are individuals who are among the millions that have used social media to become famous.  They say that you can’t soar with the eagles until you’ve walked around with chickens.  I feel that this adage holds true in terms of social media because any average person who is outstanding can use this as a way of broadcasting their ability to millions of other average people.  Justin Bieber and Tila Tequila are example of internet phenomenons that have used social media to springboard their way to fame and fortune.

            There are several mediums other than networking sites that link people from all over the world such as YouTube and video games.  Digital Nation uses Bubbie as an example of a person who has become a popular figure thanks to YouTube.  Bubbie’s cooking show represents the idea that any common individual with a talent can use social media to get exposure and in this case, thousands of people tune into “Cooking with Bubbie” and have made an 83-year-old woman an internet sensation.  It also goes to show that you do not necessarily need to be technologically savvy either, as Bubbie has reached stardom despite not even having internet access in her home.  Another aspect of the social world that brings people together is gaming.  Digital Nation also explored the impact of games such as World of Warcraft have on our generation.  World of Warcraft addicts devote absurd number of hours to this fantasy world and develop close friendships along the way.  One of my roommates is a very successful World of Warcraft player and it does not come without significant time commitment.  I asked him about his gaming experience and he told me that he has become friendly with several of his fellow gamers that live on the East Coast and he spends almost as much time hanging out with his gaming friends online as he does with his school friends.  I think that my roommates account along with the footage from Digital Nation support the idea that social media contributed toward forming a collective organism.  These mediums allow people with similar interests to congregate and put them in social situations where they can develop friendships and relationships.  

            Overall, I have a positive stance on the impact of social networks.  I feel as though they provide for unity more so than withering the individual.  Social networks and mediums are a way to connect with people globally and form relationships with people that otherwise were impossible to get to know.  Although a lot of social networking is dependent on individuals, I feel as though every individual that has a Facebook, watches YouTube videos, plays World of Warcraft, ect is contributing to a bigger picture.