A Virtual Social Life

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at how the virtual world is becoming part of today's society. The paper relates that America's middle and upper-class young people use social networks as virtual community centers, a place to sit around and communicate. The paper describes the opportunities offered by the MySpace and FaceBook websites but points out that many adult users of these websites expose themselves to risk from identity thieves and hackers. The paper notes other concerns and advises taking safety precautions.

From the Paper:

"It is not surprising that MySpace and later virtual networking sites, such as FaceBook have become popular. Teens and young adults spend a great deal of time on the computer. This is time where they used to watch TV or get together with friends in person. The controversy about the pros and cons of these social sites continues, as millions more people sign up as members."
"MySpace.com's membership has nearly quadrupled since in 2005 to 2006 to 40 million members. It ranked No. 15 on the entire U.S. Internet in terms of page hits according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Millions also hang out at other up-and-coming networks such as Facebook.com, for college students, and Xanga.com, with shared blogs. There are also 300 smaller sites, such as Buzz-Oven, Classface.com, and Photobucket.com (Business Week)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• About.com My Space. 1 March 2007. http://personalweb.about.com/od/myspacecom/a/whatismyspace.htm
• Businessweek. The MySpace Generation. December 2005. 1 March 2007http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_50/b3963001.htm
• Cota, Kate. Fairfield Mirror. September 22, 2005. Nearly one year later, FU weighs Facebook pros and cons. 1 March 2007, HTTP://MEDIA.WWW.FAIRFIELDMIRROR.COM/MEDIA/STORAGE/PAPE R148/NEWS/2005/09/22/NEWS/NEARLY.ONE.YEAR.LATER.FU.WEIGHS.F ACEBOOK.PROS.AND.CONS-994414.SHTML
• Generator. My Space Safety. 1 March 2007 HTTP://WWW.GENERATORSPACE.COM/MEETING-SOMEONE-FROM- MYSPACE
• Gilbert, Daniel. University of Chicago Maroon. May 7, 2004. Social Website Draws Heavy Traffic. 1 March 2007 . http://maroon.uchicago.edu/news/articles/2004/05/07/social_website_draws.php

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