Alex Edwards
Koobecaf Assignment
TA Evan Nave Wed. 2:30
Intro. To Anth.
The Ethnography of Koobecaf: A True Minifeed
by Alex Edwards
Facebook. This rapidly expanding social norm has truly set the standard for cultural movements within the American society. With unprecedented efficiency Facebook has become something of an epidemic- and America is catching on pretty quick. But why has this “social networking tool” become such a hit? Why has it found a special niche within our own culture? Both of these questions will be addressed and answered with honesty in the depths of this paper. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present The Ethnography of Koobecaf: A True Minifeed.
From an Ethnographers point of view, the existence of Facebook and its current relevancy within our society fits perfectly within the barrel model. Composing of three parts; Superstructure, Social structure and Infrastructure, the barrel model can accurately explain the hip and hop about Facebook.
The Superstructure portion of the barrel model deals with values, concepts, and ideas- or in other words expression and identity. Facebook has created a way for people to form and express their own identities through several channels. For example, a Facebook profile. You can self create yourself to be (or look like) anyone you want to. You’re able to edit details that compose of your identity- such as activities, religious views, interests, relationship status- even your favorite quotes and movies. This is one reason that Facebook has made such a splash in America- because in America we’re all about being able to build ourselves into whatever we want.
The Social Structure portion of the barrel model relates to political and social groups, which is another feature that Facebook is able to “bank on” to attract and retain users. Facebook groups have become the new way to get a hold of large groups of people with common interests. With mass messages on the rampage, one person can get a hold of an entire group with one click- which is a benefit to the members within that group. There’s also the fact that many political or special interest groups do their advertising on Facebook- increasing their target audience to everyone who has access to a computer. Yowza.
And finally, we come to Infrastructure. The Infrastructure portion of the barrel model deals with technology and the economic system. Facebook has made technology not technical- but rather an easy application that even the dumbest of twelve year old girls can master and exploit. Facebook is, sometimes to the point of frustration, easy to use. This “simple technology” is a huge credit to its success as a social networking tool; because it’s essentially hassle free. America LOVES easy, and we also love to capitalize on our own abilities. Yet another reason why Facebook has America by the throat!
The three portions of the barrel model are an excellent example and explanation of the success of Facebook. In a society where individualism and self-success dominate all other qualities, Americans want and need this social tool to function within our own culture. Where will Facebook go from here? Only time will tell, but with a fast paced society behind the wheel we can only wonder where this highway will take us.
And yes, you can use that ending line whenever you want, I won’t sue.