In modern times technology has revolutionized the way we as a society communicate with each other. Since the induction of the telephone, communicating with one another has become easier and more convenient, yet in doing so has lost the intimacy of face to face conversation. In more recent years, the internet has become a primary form of communication through the likes of chat rooms, messenger programs and emails. However since 2003, a new form of internet communication has risen, to the point where it now has well over one hundred million users, and attracts a further two hundred and thirty thousand per day. Myspace is simply a social networking website, in which each user has his own personlised profile and the ability to contact and freely communicate with other users. However it is its sheer enormity and power that has allowed it to become an immeasurably valuable and cost-effective facet of communication within our global society. The following essay will explore the uses of Myspace and also examine the benefits and concerns of this networking giant that is rapidly changing the way modern society communicates.
Myspace, by its very nature is beneficial to the community. Regardless of how depersonalized such communication may be, it still bridges the gap both between local communities and our international globalized society. Furthermore, Myspace supersedes the effectiveness of other communication forms in that it also provides a means of meeting new people thus enhancing its effectiveness in propelling globalization (Smith, Skelley: 2004). The significance of Myspace in furthering this movement has been significantly overlooked and overshadowed by concerns of predatory activity (Business Wire: 2007). Another strong benefit of Myspace is it ability to mirror the services of other forms of communication, for no cost. Although there is a time delay between when a message (in Myspace terms a “comment”) is sent to another user, it is free of charge, and allows for more creativity, length and content. Aside from the obvious communication benefits, Myspace is also a powerful outlet for individuality and creativity. Younger users in particular use Myspace to express themselves and to search for people whose interests are aligned with their own (Granter: 2006). In particular, the “about me” section of a user’s profile has become somewhat of creative piece of writing, with entries ranging from stories, to lyrics, to philosophy. Yet another strong benefit of Myspace is its musical community. It has proven to be immeasurably successful in promoting lesser known bands through almost limitless word of mouth. One particularly strong example is that of the Australian band “The Sick Puppies”, who went from humble beginnings as a garage rock band, to rock stardom through the use of the Myspace, and Youtube. (www.sickpuppies.net) Taking all of the preceding information into account, Myspace clearly benefits the community in many ways, and on a larger scale contributes to the development of a more global community.
The primary concern critics have towards Myspace is that the impersonal nature of the site draws away from an individual’s communication abilities. Much like a text message, the only means of conveying your message over Myspace is through text, or in some cases images, which limit the receiver’s interpretation of your message (December J, 1996). As it is a proven fact that vast amount of communication is in fact body language, and vocal expression, Myspace is very limited in the quality of communication it allows. This in turn, over prolonged use leeches on the user’s ability to communicate, and in severe cases would leave them somewhat socially inept. This ties into another issue associated with Myspace and online communication in general: internet addiction. The most recent Australian census shows that 67% of Australian households own or lease their own computer, and 80% of citizens ages 16-34 have internet access. This clearly shows the accessibility of computers and internet in the modern Australian society (University Southern Queensland). This combined with alarming overweight and obesity statistics (ASSO 2006) can find a correlation in internet addiction. Myspace can be addictive to the extent that it provides a constant form of entertainment, not unlike a virtual schoolyard, office or other form of gathering. This draws away from the exercise any citizen should be getting, and as aforementioned draws from their communication skills, thus rendering it a powerful form of internet addiction that must be addressed (Young K.S, 1996). Another issue relating to Myspace, is that of predatory activity on the internet. Much like chat rooms, or messenger programs, there is no way to determine whether someone actually is who they say they are, and subsequently internet predators are able to manipulate adolescents undeterred. Alarmingly, Myspace involves not only speaking, but photo albums of each user, all of which are available to anyone online who is your Myspace “friend”. Although this behavior is sickening, and cannot be tolerated, the nature of the program allows predators to operate without worry, and therefore is an issue that cannot currently be addressed (Magrid L, 2006).
Taking into consideration all of the preceding information, it is evident that Myspace delivers both positives and negatives to both our immediate community, and our global community. It has provided the world with a new and powerful form of communication, bridges gaps between people and countries, furthering the development of new communication and technologies, whilst promoting individualism, creativity and talent. However such issues as internet addiction and predatory activity sour this innovative invention, and stand as obstacles for its future development. Both positive and negatives issues aside, Myspace simply remains to be a powerful communicating device, and will most certainly play a crucial role in future communication.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Armstrong B, Dingsdag D, Fogarty G, 2003, “Internet and Computer Usage: Comparisons” Southern Cross University.
Business Wire, 2007, “Myspace and Mark Burnett Unite” Business Wire, 25.4.07
Smith D, Skelley C.A, 2004, “Globalisation: Transformation” Technology Futures inc.
December J, 1996, “Units of Analysis for Internet Communication”, Journal of Communication
Granter B, 2006, “Individualism and Social Capitol In an Online Social Networking Community: “Myspace” is an Organising site for Social Construction”, 13.4.06
http://www.asso.org.au/home/obesityinfo/stats
http://www.sickpuppies.net
Magrid L, 2006, “Myspace: Your Kids Danger?” CBS News, 6.2.06.
Young K.S, 1996, “Internet Addiction: The Emergence of a Clinical Disorder”, Cyber Psychology and Behaviour, 15.8.96
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