Facebook Nation

Descriptive Essay # 103355

Computer and Technology > Internet
Computer and Technology > Networks
Ethics

Facebook Nation

This paper looks at the digital social network Facebook and discusses its ethical issues.

2,851 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Facebook is a digitally facilitated social network founded in 2004 that connects people around the world. The writer explains that each user has a profile that includes information such as a picture of themselves, contact information, interests, other friends, and a Facebook wall that friends can leave comments on. The writer points out that, initially, Facebook was exclusive to college students. The only requirement to create a profile was a collegiate email address. The writer discusses that, over time, Facebook has opened its doors and allowed others to join. First, high school students were given the opportunity to create profiles and now anyone above the age of 13 regardless of whether or not they are in school can joing Facebook.

From the Paper:

"Groups are collections of people who have something in common. While there are some groups that are created mainly for a joke, there are many groups that are created to provide a network within the network of people who share the same interest or quality. For example, there are groups for people who like Harry Potter, the New York Giants and the movie Superbad. There are also groups for people who support cancer research, people who are from a certain area, and people who are members in certain organizations. Groups have a place to add pictures and a message board, both of which can only be seen by members. Groups provide a middle ground between wall posting and messaging, since a selected cluster of people can see posts and pictures. There are many uses for groups in not only a social, but academic and business way. For example, I am in a group with my close group of friends from home where we can share each others' vacation schedules, class information and what's going on in our personal lives that we wouldn't share with lower level friends."

Sample of Sources Used:

http://mashable.com/2006/08/25/facebook-profile/
Interview with Michelle Ly, Lehigh Class of 2010
http://www.vainformer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6034&Itemid=1