Social Networking

1. PEW Findings: Social Networking Websites and Teens
I look back on when I first entered my teen years and realize there was life before Facebook. Hard to believe, I know. Yet, as a twelve year old, my time spent on the internet consisted solely of Instant Messaging and waiting in hopeful anticipation of a computerized voice stating "You've Got Mail." Which in all honesty would probably have revealed one of those incessantly irritating chain letters, that of course I sent to ten others for fear of having five years of bad luck. At twelve, my AOL account still had parental controls, despite my attempts to show maturity towards my father in hopes my "Teen Only" would magically be upgraded to full internet access. It's funny how such a short amount of time would reveal a global phenomena; Facebook.
As I first read the article I was truly astounded by the fact that ONLY (and I mean this in the least sarcastic tone possible) a little over half of teens engaged in social networking. Then, I realized this study was done in 2006. This is significant because it was only shortly before this that any one outside a college network (and even in the brief time before that, the Harvard network) could have access to Facebook. Yet, it was slightly surprising the percentage was not higher because of the age unlimited (and I say this loosely since all that is required is an unmonitored check in a box for "being thirteen") access to Myspace. If this survey was to be presently done, I feel the percentage would increase significantly.
When this survey was conducted was when I first created a Facebook profile (I had already had a Myspace for some time). At 17, the oldest age of this survey, I was completely ignorant to the privacy issues of social networking sites. If I remember correctly, my profile was not private and my selectivity of friend accepts was minimal. I say this because I find the fact that 66% of the teens who had a profile and said it was limited to be a little on the high side. I was a cautious teen, but for lack of sufficient social networking education and understanding, I was oblivious to the dangers a full access profile posed on my safety, as well as the fact that what went on the internet stayed on the internet. Maybe I'm just being naive, but I honestly believe that my naivety did not rest in the 34% minority.
It is not shocking that girls were more likely than boys to partake in the addictive nature of social networking, as teenage boys are often too "cool." Plus, why wouldn't girls look for an easier access to gossip? Hey, it's in our nature. For that matter, I find it hard to believe that only 22% of active users visited the site more than once a day. If this survey were to be conducted now, that percentage would be much higher.
These findings seem to be relatively accurate, however I would be more interested to compare the findings of these same questions from the 2006 survey to one conducted more recently. It would be interesting to see how much more in just four years or so that age group would rely on social networking sites.

2. Two Teens on YouTube
Boxxy: First off, WOW. Not only do I feel like that girl stole 3:36 minutes of my life that I will never get back, but to be honest I am slightly confused. I can't tell if "Addy" is a real person, or a reference to the ever so popular amongst teens and college students, "Adderall." Which to be honest, it wouldn't hurt her to pop a few to calm down. What sparked my interest most about this video was her ability to talk approximately a mile a minute. For about two minutes of the video I found it extremely difficult to stay focused. The constant hand movements and touching of her face made me a little dizzy and all I could really think about was what in the world possessed her to create such a video. Needless to say, what intrigued me the most was how unfazed I really was. This is a typical teenage video that miraculously received over 3 million views over nothing in particular at all.
Sexman: This video started off more entertaining, partially because I was able to keep up with his story, until the repetitive details of the fight nearly provoked me to a state of daydreaming. As a high school student I always loved a good fight. Maybe not as much as Sexman, but seriously who didn't enjoy crowding around while someone began the contagious "Fight! Fight!" chant? Ok, now that I've digressed enough. His behavior is extremely stereotypically to the "nerd" persona, or so I have read in the posted comments under the video.
What I find the most interesting about each of these videos is that we can only assume these teenagers are pretending to act this way, but why? Are these the behaviors that teenagers view consistent with themselves? Does using language such as "slut" and "badass" evoke winners in a popularity contest? Regardless, the faux personalities are not amusing.
There are many things that intrigue me about each video, but what I really find hard to believe is the amount of views for each video.

3. What Kind of Tech User Are You?
I can master my way around Facebook like a professional. I can check my Gmail like it's my job. But, as far as being technologically inclined, I've always considered myself to be proficient, but a "Digital Collaborator?" That seems absurd. I've always prided myself on being able to "figure" out technology. So has my technologically inept father. However, I've never exactly considered myself to be confident in the use of technology. I use the internet for limited things: check email, check Facebook, look at CNN, and sometimes possibly twitter or YouTube. I search specific pages relevant to my life at that time and only when I "StumbleUpon" do I branch into the unknown. According to the description of the results, I like to share my creations with others. This is only half true. I thoroughly enjoying seeing the work others have done, but very rarely do I post a new picture on Facebook, tweet in Twitter, or Blog post in Blogger. However, I do agree in the sense that I admire viewing others' video posts, scanned paintings, Photoshop artwork, and the countless other ways people can share their ideas online. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a collaborator; more like an enthusiastic regular patron into the world of digital art.