My Space, Your Space, We All Have Space on My Space!
Dec 01 '06
The Bottom Line Community is a good thing where ever we can find it.
I will start out by apologizing if there is a specific place for reviews on this topic, but I sure couldn't find one. I decided on "Social Studies", because www.myspace.com is definitely a Social Study.
My kids have been active on www.myspace.com for quite a while. I have periodically peered over their shoulders and checked out their sites (I try to keep an eye on their internet activity) but I didn't think about starting up my own space until a few weeks ago. I am not even sure why I decided to join in; probably because of the pressure from my kids to do so.
One day I took a deep breath and started my site. My thirteen year old daughter was almost immediately appalled. "Mom, you have no background on your site!"
I answered, "What do you mean? How do I add a background?"
She sighed. "I will help you. And what do you mean YOU DON'T WANT CHILDREN!!!!"
I was aghast. "I never said I don't want children! I already have children. It is a little late for me to say I don't want any, isn't it?"
Kaitlin sighed again. "Ah, but your profile says you don't want children!!!"
She led me to the computer, helped me fix my profile, helped me add a background, and then helped me upload some pictures to share with other myspacians.
I have come to several conclusions, the most prevalent being that Myspace is definitely addictive. (Not quite as addictive as Epinions, but running a close second!)
What on Earth is My Space?
In a word - My Space is community. It is friendship, interacting with others, learning, socializing. My Space is self-expression.
My Space was started by a guy named Tom. I don't know much about him yet, but if you sign up you will immediately see him as one of your friends. I intend to try to get to know him as time goes by.
The internet provides incredible chance to develop a sense of community in many different arenas. I belong to numerous discussion lists, I even run some. My favorite spot on the internet is Epinions and has been for many years. My Space is my second favorite.
What is the point of My Space?
Hmmmm. I will have to think about that one a bit. I think the point is...... community.
Life is too fast paced these days. There is very little sense of community. Back in the day, real-life neighbors knew each other. They spent time with each other. They watched out for each other. I can remember hot summer evenings when I was growing up, when all the kids in the neighborhood would get together for a rousing game of kickball or hide and seek. Some neighborhoods today may still experience this, but I think they are few and far between compared to yesteryear.
We have been forced to find other venues, and internet communities are the next best thing. I have developed friendships online that are just as real and precious to me as my real-world ones are.
My Space is another internet community.
How does it work?
Fairly simple. When you sign up, you get a site. You can add friends, invite friends, search for friends. You can add backgrounds, add music to your site. You can create your own blog, comment on your friends pictures, add your own pictures. You can add quizzes, answer quizzes, and simply get to know other people. You can increase your sense of community.
I Dare YOU!
I dare you to go to www.myspace.com and get your own site. I think you will like it. I think you will find it addicting. My Space is NOT just for teens. There are a lot of adults there. You can join discussion groups as well as interact with your specific friends. You can search your high school and connect with people you have lost touch with.
So far I only have 14 friends. (Sigh). My thirteen year old has 303. (WOW!)
Sign up and add me as a friend. You can type in my name (Becky Dyson) or my email address on the site (beckydyson@hughes.net). Or if you can't find me, email me and I will add you.
Final Thoughts
If you want to enhance your sense of community, My Space is a fun way to do it. I haven't even begun to explore all the possibilities on this site. It seems like more is added everyday. But so far I am having a lot of fun, and fun makes the world go round. Right?
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