In chapter 3 JVD, tackles Facebook.
In this chapter he explores the created norm of sharing. He argues that this is an evolving norm, and through the popularity and size of Facebook, this platform is most responsible for this contribution to the culture of connectivity.
In terms of the technology of sharing there are two aspects. The first is connectedness and the other is connectivity. Connectedness are the traits you are familiar with. All the things that link you to those around you on the website, Connectivity is the sharing of your user data with some third party.
One particularly interesting topic is Facebooks creation of the Like button. This feature plays into the connectivity of sharing while appearing as an example of the other. On the surface when you hit the like button on goods or products it shows up on your friends feed and therefore seems you are sharing your interest within the site. However, when you click on the Like button there is also a sharing of data between the products site and FB that is recorded and added into the algorithms so that both sites can tailor the experience for the user of what new information is presented. Through this Like button, the norm of third part sharing was acceptable, where other attempts had failed.
The chapter continues discussing how FB has developed over the years, transitioning from a database of personality to a narrative/timeline style presentation of self/identity. JVD discusses how this is all ties into the user/owner power struggle between connectedness and connectivity. How this dynamic is a "balancing act between stimulating users' activity and exploiting it; its [Facebook] success depends on customers' willingness to contribute data and to allow maximum data mining" (p.64).
Ultimately this chapter describes the powerhouse that is Facebook and how it has had major lasting contributions to the development of social media and the connected culture that uses it. Even if it should lose its popularity, the effects will be noticeable for quite some time.
I agree with your last statement about FB's empowering community connectivity. I had never thought the addition of the like button as an innovation of connection. I would be curious to know more about how the dynamics of personal narratives and timelines are negotiated by users on other platforms.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this summary. The distinction between connectivity and connectedness is intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Danielle and Lee, for checking my blog out! It's always nice to see someone interested!
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