Derick Peknik facebook paperThis is a featured page

Derick Peknik Cultural Anthropology 9-17-08 Koobecaf The American culture is one filled with ideals, morals, and characteristics unlike any other culture. Facebook has overrun the American culture and consumed over an average of fifty seven minutes a day. Facebook was invented by a Harvard student who originally made it in an attempt to have collegiate students keep in touch with professors, classmates and networking for career and social growth. That is more than most spend on there homework, exercising, or reading the news. Over 33 million people use Facebook in some form daily. Facebook is an online networking system in which anyone can join and become part of one of the most influential online sites. Looking at the Blue and white screen filled with ads for online dating and other websites, there will be several lists to chose from. A vertical list and a horizontal list will take the user through the website and into this world of underground friendships. First the user will set up a site and present him or her the way they want to be viewed. After adding a picture of themselves to present to others living in this world and possibly adding their favorite movies, books, and introducing themselves. It is unlike anywhere else. There is a whole new lingo that is involved just as in any culture. The words poke, walls, and tagging all have a completely different meaning. Once the user understands these terms the user can begin there journey into Facebook land. First step is to read the news, but not national or even local. The news feed is an online review of when, what, where, why and how people are interacting in there new world. Pictures are presented with captions and videos are shown. After reading the news the user is introduced to their friends…again. The socializing is so overwhelming and most Americans, known for there competitiveness, are in a race to have the largest amount of online friends and increase their social status. In a survey done by Glamour over 78% of participants said they were Facebook “friends” with over fifty people they didn’t know or had ever met in person. American culture and especially its young people are or present themselves to be social and very popular in there social standings. In this new world the users are not necessarily the people they present. A user can introduce them in whatever way he or she pleases. Facebook runs ramped in Americans youth and in some places college students write papers on its uses and influence. American culture is one of instant gratification and results. Everything and anything from there fast food to their high speed internet, Americans want and demand it now. After gaining acceptance from the peers and becoming online friends, the user is now taken to there new friends introduction page. With the click of a button the user can view a vast amount of picture and videos of there friend. With another click the user can view the friends of there new friend and let and behold, the socializing begins, or the attempt. If another user of Facebook is currently living there, users can talk instantly to them in a small email box. American culture is a fast paced one with out time for phone calls, letters or time for “sitting down” with an old friend. But At the same time Americans want to keep in touch with friends and possible make new ones. Americans are complicated people and cannot be fully understood in a small review of a small aspect of their culture but Facebook is a tool to understanding them.


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