Analysis: The Fakebook Generation
“The Fakebook Generation”
What is it that compels the human race to waste so much of their time? Why do we sit for endless hours staring at a screen, watching television, checking email, surfing the web, or even going on Facebook and socially interacting yourself with friends through the Internet? What is so attractive to our generation that we believe that we need to stay connected to “friends” and virtually do nothing for hours on end? The author of the article “The Fakebook Generation,” Alice Mathias states, “Dwelling online is a cowardly and utterly enjoyable alternative to real interaction” (Mathias 3). What makes the online experience this way, is that you control what others can see and not see. You are in complete control of your virtual life. …show more content…
People have become dependent on the internet over the years, using it to catch up with old acquaintances or even finding out the latest stories of what’s going on in the area. Since the internet was introduced it has evolved greatly, causing social networking to become a huge part of our everyday lives. Having the ability to use social networking sites at all the time allows people to stay connected to friends, family and acquaintances. Commenting and liking on friends’ pages, posting pictures and talking about your current activities, have lead people to live “fake” lives. In the words of Mathias, “I’ve always thought of Facebook as an online community theater” (Mathias 2). She explains that Facebook gives us the ability to pick and choose what we think is suitable for the world to see. For example, a person may have taken several pictures while out with friends, but only put up the ones that they are most satisfied with and want others to see. Additionally, for the younger generation, Facebook is a form of escapeism where users transform their real lives into drama and genuine relationships into
What is it that compels the human race to waste so much of their time? Why do we sit for endless hours staring at a screen, watching television, checking email, surfing the web, or even going on Facebook and socially interacting yourself with friends through the Internet? What is so attractive to our generation that we believe that we need to stay connected to “friends” and virtually do nothing for hours on end? The author of the article “The Fakebook Generation,” Alice Mathias states, “Dwelling online is a cowardly and utterly enjoyable alternative to real interaction” (Mathias 3). What makes the online experience this way, is that you control what others can see and not see. You are in complete control of your virtual life. …show more content…
People have become dependent on the internet over the years, using it to catch up with old acquaintances or even finding out the latest stories of what’s going on in the area. Since the internet was introduced it has evolved greatly, causing social networking to become a huge part of our everyday lives. Having the ability to use social networking sites at all the time allows people to stay connected to friends, family and acquaintances. Commenting and liking on friends’ pages, posting pictures and talking about your current activities, have lead people to live “fake” lives. In the words of Mathias, “I’ve always thought of Facebook as an online community theater” (Mathias 2). She explains that Facebook gives us the ability to pick and choose what we think is suitable for the world to see. For example, a person may have taken several pictures while out with friends, but only put up the ones that they are most satisfied with and want others to see. Additionally, for the younger generation, Facebook is a form of escapeism where users transform their real lives into drama and genuine relationships into