Read this article(https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/virtual-friendship-and-the-new-narcissism) and
discuss one of these questions:(in about 200-300 words)
- Metaphors
In the early days, the metaphor encapsulating social networks was one of place (i.e., you logged on to and
went to a "physical" place), while the metaphor encapsulating social networks today is one of person (i.e.,
people come to "you"). What are the implications of these metaphors? Why is the metaphor we use important?
2.It’s a Brave New World
Some of the specific examples that I know of where what people have shared on Facebook has caused them
trouble:
An education student that only had her internship to finish before graduating was at a rather conservative
school (with a conduct code). She went out partying one night and pictures made their way to Facebook. The
school administration felt that this violated their code of conduct and "fired" her, and essentially blacklisted her,
and no school would accept her and allow her to finish her internship. As a result, she wasn't able to graduate
and pursue her dream of teaching.
Employers routinely check social media sites prior to interviewing job candidates and will even check on
existing employees. If the employer finds things that it doesn't like, it won't extend the job offer and may take
steps to fire the employee.
In Australia (or New Zealand), the courts have ruled that people may be served via Facebook since it can be
difficult to locate people in real-space.
People's homes have been burglarized/vandalized because people share where they are (this could become
even more of a problem with things like Foursquare and checking into various places--people can quite easily
track your whereabouts).
So, is it fair that employers don't hire/fire people based on what they find online? What types of security issues
are we exposing ourselves to by being so open (and I'll share a really scary one later if no one comes up with
it)?
3.Why Are You Here?
I'm sure that many of you have a presence on a social network (and it's most likely Facebook). Why do you
have this presence?
4.How You Doin’?
Before the rise of Facebook (BFB), "friend" was a noun and was a person that we interacted with. After the rise
of Facebook (AFB), "friend" became a verb and is something that we do. What's "great" about Facebook is that
it shows exactly how many friends a person has (doesn't it?) How does this influence friendship? What does
friendship really mean in a world where you can have over 5,000 "friends"?
Sample Solution