"THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: GROWING UP ON FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Peggy Orenstein from the New York Times, analyzes the lives of those who use Facebook and other social network sites. The author explains that younger users seem to grow up on Facebook because they begin using the site at such a young age. And although it may be comforting to remain in touch with old friends instead of having to let them go, the author notes that this is bothering to her because she feels like the past is never really the past when you are online. Your past is constantly dug up and resurfaces, which conflicts with the societal norm of putting the past behind you. The author's ideas were interesting but I felt that the style with which she composed her article was confusing and choppy.

"STARING DOWN FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Zoe Sandvig, discusses the effort of people across the country to fight against technology's control over our lives. Many people are trying to distance themselves from technology and we hear that many positive effects have come from this distance. However, the obsession over Facebook and other social networks is affecting many students' lives in negative aspect. Because of this, a division is arising between those in society who obsess over Facebook and those who disapprove of it. When I read this article, I was embarrassed because I realized the negative side of using the Internet too much and I was forced to examine the amount of time I spend online as well.

"FACEBOOK IN A CROWD"

This article, written by Hal Niedvicki, described the story of a person who had 700 friends on Facebook and no friends in real life. Based on this article, we see that online communication is changing the social structure of our society. Even the term "friend" has a whole new meaning online. Many who have a Facebook or a Myspace communicate online and then are unable to have a conversation in person. This article made me frustrated because it made me think about the ways in which we socialize. I have begun to think that the ways in which we socialize are falling apart.

“BEING THERE: THE SUBTLE ART OF FACEBOOK UPDATES”

This article, from The New York Times and written by Virginia Hefferman, analyzes the importance of Facebook’s status update. The author asks herself what makes a great status update and explains the difference between MySpace and Facebook. The norms of society are supported in this article because updating your status on Facebook is accepted as a norm, and this is the topic being discussed. However, I did feel the topic of status updates was a little ridiculous. I feel updates are insignificant and don’t need to be analyzed. Since a discussion we had in my English class about the meaning of life, I feel that articles like these are ridiculous and that we seem take insignificant things and turn them into something bigger, when in reality, what you see is what you get. We need to stop making such a big deal out of everything.

“SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS VALIDATED”

This article, from the Washington Times and written by Karen Goldberg Goff, discusses the benefits of MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites. She tells us how it is essential for youth to learn technical skills and become competent citizens, in addition to discussing the amount of monitoring appropriate for parents—they should accept that technology as an important part of the youth’s culture. The article was interesting to read because many of the parents and other important figures in my life complain about how I socialize and why it is going to hurt me in the future—not being able to talk to people, have a conversation face to face, etc. It was interesting to hear a different and more positive perspective on my generation’s communication techniques.