In the small land of Koobecaf, everything revolves around the Retupmoc. There are no face to face conversations, nor is there any human contact. Serutcip are the only means of visualization between seeing other human beings. Living in Koobecaf is all the people know. They are only interested in technological advances that their town my adopt next. One of the newest “applications” the town has derived is a stalker watcher. It is like a security system for their house. It detects who, when and for how long someone has looked at your personal items in your house. The houses in Koobecaf do not have actual locks. The people believe it goes against the way of the culture. They do, however, have a list of certain people that can come into their house at any time, only the people they trust. In the house there are many things to see, such as Serutcip all over the walls and Eliforp information to read. In the Eliforp, the main room of the house, it says all the personal information such as; religious views, relationship status and a birth date. This is helpful information to learn all about who's house you are in. Everyone now knows that “Koobecaf” is Facebook backwards. It revolves entirely around the Retupmoc (computer). This ethnography is very much like a satire on Facebook and how it is changing American lives day by day. The “Serutcip” are pictures that are hung on the “walls” of in the profile itself. Anyone who has access to viewing a Eliforp (profile), also known as the house, can see all the pictures, relationship status and religious views. Anyone can see; However, a friends list is created to filter out some creepers (unwanted stalkers) from viewing personal items. Facebook is a great new part of technology. It allows for long distance relationships, and keeping in contact with all one's friends while maintaining an easy social life. As great as all of that is, it also has a downside. Anything that grows this big, this fast is going to have slight consequences. First of all, Facebook has become so popular because it allows people to shine who normally wouldn't be able to. It allows everyone to fit in and it some cases, it is one's “own little world.” On this internet site, anyone can join. It is becoming over populated in fact. It allows for individualism that may not be achieved anywhere else, such as school or in the home life. Facebook lets alike people be alike without criticism. One can form groups, share values and beliefs. It also has a part in the market system because it now has the application of selling items online, and acts like an Ebay. It plays into the barrel model as well. Starting with Infrastructure, it deals with technology because it is on the computer, economics because of the new selling online from your profile, and money because it has to be brining in an income for the founders of the ever popular Facebook. It was actually started for college students being away from home but turned into parents and young children owning a profile. Next is Social-structure; it deals with the clubs, family and friend contacts, political view points on the profile page and allows people to voice their opinions. Members can start groups based on sports, clubs or even book clubs. Being a part of a group on facebook may change personal interaction between the book club members if everyone can just communicate through the computer. Last is Super-structure, which follows along with religion, intelligence and the sense of feeling “belonged” to something. Some may feel superior to others but on Facebook, all are pretty much equal. It changes our culture because it interferes with how someone may learn to tough it out on their own. If someone doesn't have a computer will it be harder to fit in to a “technology society?” It is changing American culture by getting Americans addicted to a computer all day instead of doing homework, exercising or enjoying life. In the barrel model, it can change how some view others. In the Super-structure, it can change the way people view religions based on certain notes discriminating against Christianity, or other religions. It fits so well with American culture today because it is everything we are. It is our way of communication, our way of showing love and empathy to others, and our sense of thoughtfulness in showing others we care. For example; saying happy birthday to a long lost friend on their birthday may spark a new friendship. That shows thoughtfulness very well. To some, Facebook is a “house” and provides that homey feeling. Facebook is a fun past time, but we just can't let it get the best of us. We can't let it become a culture itself.
Allison Holman 9/17/08