People find new ways to keep in touch

Social networking sites make it easier to connect with loved ones but can cause face-to-face contact to lessen in popularity.

It is the fastest way to have a conversation, without saying a word.

Although it may seem unusual that people can communicate without sitting in front of each other or talking over the telephone, new technologies and virtual communities such as MySpace have made this a common phenomenon.

Photo by: Mary Saavedra

Social networking sites makes conversation easier

In effect, talking to loved ones through social networking instead of face-to-face has become the more popular way to keep in touch.

“It helps loved ones to visit one another more often, especially if they are away in the military,” 31-year-old Michael Perea said.

MySpace Founding

Founded by Chris DeWolfe, CEO, and Tom Anderson, president, MySpace was first launched in January 2004. The Web site provides a place where people can connect to loved ones, reunite with old friends and classmates and meet new people. Some of its features include e-mail, IM, status updates, blogging, profile information, an online photo book, and more.

According to techradar.com, MySpace is the largest social network in North America and maintains a dominant position as a media site. Primarily aimed at youth, it gives them the opportunity to relate to brands and bands, as well as to engage in self-expression.

As of last year, MySpace had more than 110 million monthly active users all around the globe, and is one of the country’s most trafficked sites on the Internet. With nearly one in four Americans having a MySpace account, and an average of 300,000 new people signing up to the site every day, this Web site is continuously growing in popularity.

“My favorite feature is the privacy option,” 23-year-old Amanda Reyes said. “You can keep your profile private that way only your friends can see your information. And also the friend search engine, because you can find almost anybody.”

Connie Alderete,22, said: “I opened a MySpace account because my best friends had one. They are the ones who encouraged me to make my page. With my friends, that’s how we find out what each other have been up to, or what the plan is for the weekend and what we’re going to do for our next girls’ night out.”

According to the author of the online article “type me how you feel,” Kimberly A. Carter, society is moving toward a new language in online communities, as well as a new analytical basis in which people are forming new methods to help interpret the meanings behind nonverbal messages.

Easy Communication

“I think that online communication is better because easier to say what you want in writing, rather than in person,” Alderete said. “Well, for me it is anyway because I’m shy when it comes to talking to or meeting new people.”

MySpace, being one of the fastest growing Web sites of all time, also contains special features such as facial icons and emotional appeal on the site, which can sometimes make the average face-to-face conversations neither as necessary nor urgent for some people.

“If the person is here in town, then I prefer face to face; if not, then I will do my best to call them or set a conference with them via satellite or Web cam,” Perea said.

Technology Advantages

As the Internet also makes its way onto cell phones, MySpace has become even more available and convenient to its members.

“MySpace does change the way I communicate with loved ones because sometimes you don’t see them often and even just with the click of a button on your cell phone you can be on MySpace talking to those loved ones,” Reyes said.

Photo by: Mary Saavedra

Amanda Reyes uses her cellularphone to check her MySpace.

Virtual communities, such as MySpace, not only offer a wide range of features to their members but also provide them with the opportunity to communicate to a larger audience and share emotions without having to call or have a face-to-face conversation.

In the end, however, it is up to individuals to decide how they feel most comfortable relaying their messages and emotions to others. Virtual communities are there simply there to offer an alternative to face-to-face interaction, not replace it or take away.

“I never thought I would have a MySpace account,” Reyes said. “I guess because I didn’t think MySpace was safe. But four years ago I signed up for an account, and the privacy feature made it seem safe. Now I log on almost every day. It’s a great way to keep in touch with family and friends.”

Written March 12, 2009

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