Whitney Grover
September 20, 2008
Nick Thurs 12:30



Facebook, a “social networking site”, has changed the way we communicate with each other. Facebook offers things such as wall-posts, messages, photos, chat and many applications. Some of these applications include bumper sticker, top friends, who you think is the hottest, and many more. You are even able to create a “dogbook” for your dog. Millions of people of all ages log on everyday to view profiles of their friends, families, and even people they don’t know. The barrel model can be used to describe the American culture and how Facebook is changing it. A large part of our environment in America is made up of technology. Everywhere you look technology is somewhat “taking over”. It’s no surprise that people find it easier to communicate over the web.
Infrastructure is the part of the barrel model that includes technology, demographics, and the economic system. Since Facebook began it has become increasingly popular. It is no doubt that businesses would want to take advantage of advertising within the site. Within your “news feed,” which contains the latest updates of things such as new video uploads and relationship changes, there are ads. This is by no accident. These ads are placed within all the information you are looking at to catch your attention. The sponsors you see are always from within your area. People spend multiple hours out of their day on facebook and businesses are taking advantage of that advertising time. There is also an application called Marketplace. This is where you can sell and purchase anything from an iphone to a Kansas State football ticket. Whenever my roommate from last year would sit down to study she would have to log onto facebook and get the entire new scoop before she would be able to sit still and study. She is one of those consumers that feel into the use of the Marketplace. We knew that if we never needed a ticket for anything she was the person to ask. She would immediately get on Facebook and search for the best deal. This is a prime example of infrastructure. The social structure aspect of the barrel model deals with social and political organization. This is a huge part of the Facebook world. Facebook groups are used to reach large groups of people about certain clubs and organizations. Within a group you are able to post things on a wall for the rest of the group to see. The admin of the group has the ability to send out a mass group message with a few simple clicks. This makes getting information out extremely simple and quick. And finally we get to the superstructure. The superstructure is made up of ideas, concepts, and values. Facebook has many aspects that were created to help its users express who they are. Profiles are a way to create an identity for yourself. Through a profile you are able to share things such as your relationship status, religious views, interests, favorite movies, etc. A profile is a way to shape how people view you. The barrel model is a great way to look into the success of Facebook. Facebook is all about creating yourself to be who you want and it’s a way to communicate and share information in not only a easy way, but an entertaining manor as well.