February 24, 2009
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Social Networks and Self-Centeredness
Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield is claiming that social network sites like Facebook, Myspace and Twitter are shortening attention spans, encouraging instant gratification and making young people more self-centered. Here is the link: Link
Do you think sites like Myspace, Facebook and xanga cause us to be more self-centered?
Comments (125)
XOMG YESSS.
Maybe a little… althought there are those of us who go around commenting on everyone elses sites… even when they never comment on ours… I don’t think that’s self centered…
Nah, I just spend less time in the real world.
Nothing could possibly make me MORE self-centered.
Blogging is inherently narcissistic, let’s face it.
No. Because I really am interested in what is going on in my friend’s lives. I find that I am neglecting my life more by being involved in Xanga and Facebook.
I think so.
I think most of us were pretty self-centered to begin with. Humans are rather selfish creatures, for the most part.
This sort of goes hand in hand with the whole video games cause violence argument, in my opinion. The traits were there to begin with. Maybe video games or social networks egg on those traits a bit, but they sure didn’t create them.
dont understand the question,,,,,
I can see that.
the instant gratification part – yep that’s what makes it addicitve. that’s what makes some people do anything to get comments on their xanga posts
Blogging is more self-centered than a social-networking site.
I can remember when they used to say that about children’s television programming like Sesame Street. When you’re using it to keep in contact with friends and loved ones, it’s a way of staying connected and reaching out. That’s how I tend to use it and that seems to be the opposite of self-centered.
I got lost after “Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield is claiming that social network sites like …”. What are we talking about? Me. right?
ya, i think she might be right
Yes, I believe so.
Definitely. You don’t need a neuroscientist to figure that one out.
The degree of egotism is probably dictated by the content and nature of the account.
With Xanga, in particular, some celebrities are so popular as to have their own gravitational pull. Orbiting groupies probably only elevate and isolate their sense of self-worth.
But not you, Dan. I still consider you a deistic demigod– and much above this fray.
yes all the wayyy, theres this girl that i know who posts notes on herself every single day and its not like anyone cares to know so much about her.
Yeah, I can see it being that way. Probably helps that “ugly” pictures can be untagged as well. You never have to show your true self on them.
@lilwetduckie@momaroo - Blogging is more self-centered than a social-networking site.
Blogging is to an audience. For a lot of Xangans, hosting a site is much more about sharing and internacting with the readers than to stump for ranting.
Opening up to readers is not the sort of egotism I’d consider self-centered.
But on the other hand, for some, Xanga has become a regal castle of isolation and self-centeredness.
No.
Yes. Absolutely.
Sorry, what was the question?
Blah blah blah. Come check out my blog, dammit!
yes… because no one ever gives anyone that much attention in real life. and sometimes people aren’t actually saying something that makes sense, but it sounds good and connects with other sort of stupid people and they end up thinking they wrote something better than they did.
Absolutely. It makes us think that we matter and that people need to know what we’re doing at all times of the day because we are so goddamn important.
[GASP!] You mean… it’s not ALL ABOUT ME?? LOL
Actually I think social venues are generally a pretty good balance, because you can keep in touch with your current friends better – and get in touch with old friends and catch up more easily.
I wouldn’t know. My ego-centrism was already in high gear before I even knew about facebook.
@huginn - True, I just a lot of blogging nowadays seems to be more for the writer themselves, than to their readers.
I blog just to have a written journal sometimes. I just enjoy writing. Myspace and Facebook are so I can keep in touch with friends, I don’t see it as being self-centered. I do it also to find playdates for my son. Hah.
Yeah, duh.
I think that current society in general does that to people. We’re a very instant-gratification kind of culture.
Definitely. It’s part of the “ME” generation. People care about how many comments they get, if they are number one on top friends, etc.
I agree with the woman’s sentiment about not exposing children to video games or social networking sites etc. until a much older age. However, if we really want to change this we need more federally funded programs that work as babysitting services. My reasoning? How many parents do you know that use the TV/computer as a babysitter? My mother worked at least 2 jobs throughout my childhood. Fortunately, i had 2 sets of grandparents and 4 sets of aunts and uncles on each side. I was very much an outdoors child thanks to them. I try to do the same for my little brother and sister, who i’ve babysat for the past 8 years. I could have just as easily sat them in front of a TV and go about my own business. Many parents do do this because they have no other choice. We need to give them one. Headstart and WIC are great programs. If that kind of “welfare” marginally improves the lives of children, i don’t really if a few mommy’s are sitting on their asses because those kids are worth a hell of a lot more to me than that little bit of money i would give up in taxes.
I used facebook so I can get events and send out events that I am doing,and say hi to people I don’t always see…so essentially no.
I didn’t think about it, but it sounds plausible.
Definitely.
Of course they do! I can’t count how many times that I have seen 12-13 year old’s with myspace’s and pictures that are wayy too promiscuous! You know the poses I’m talking about.. the little girls with their barely-there boobs extending out of their shirt, hunched over, posing in the mirror with the kissy/pouty faces. Come on now! They’re just shouting, “Look at me! I’m a twelve year old hottie! Yay!” Yeah good job kiddo, now you’re a magnet for child predators because you look so naive and stupid, for posing like a child hooker on a street.
Yeh totally.. Sorry not been on xanga much lately. I also think we need it to get to grips with those that are too far to visit. I have made some good xangians & there is encouragement. Also feel there are others that can use their fingers to goood use, could be doin less borin things like bein too selfish to catch up with others & think about their lives. blah blah
Not to mention the idea of “picture comments.” Have you ever seen a picture of someone who isn’t very cute, but everyone and their mama is like, “stunning!” “totally hott!” “gorgeous” “beautiful!” and all of these things..and you’re like man, I hope these people aren’t doing this to me…
-Okay, this wasn’t meant to be offensive, and I’m sorry if it is..but come on, do we really need to flaunt ourselves all over the internet?
I’m sorry…uh what?
I was reading my subs and commenting on someone else site while wondering who’s twittering who….
what was that you said?
haha yes!
I think it’s an effect caused by use of the internet in general, not just Facebook and like sites. These sites probably do work to aggravate this kind of behavior, though.
Not necessarity. Kids have already been goomed, starting from birth, to think the world would not revolve if it weren’t for them. All the rest of socitey re-inforces this erroneous belief.
Networking sites certainly teach people to expect instant gratification, but I don’t really think they shorten attention spans — not on their own, anyway. It’s more a combination of the internet and television.
As for whether they make us more self-centered? It’s really how you use it. If you’re using Facebook to keep in contact with friends, I don’t see a problem. If your only contact with the outside world is through the internet, well, that could be an issue. But are popular Xangans, for example, more self-centered than people who become popular through more “traditional” means? I don’t think so.
Yes and no.
They certainly feed our voyeuristic tendencies!
Why do you think I am only on (use) Xanga? I don’t care what everyone else is doing.
@into_the_lens - ”XOMG” – what the fuck is that?
@hellaz - Hahah. It was supposed to be ZOMG, but by the time I realized I’d typo-ed it, I’d already hit submit. Maybe it’s like XANGAOMG. =]
@into_the_lens - There’s an edit feature…
@hellaz - I’m aware.
I think so. Because in all honestly I have the mind frame of a goldfish! But I just love xanga and facebook!
~Alexx
Yep. Totally.
@randomneuralfirings - haha, win.
yes without question -_-
but I’d have to add that it makes ppl nosier too lmaoooo
Yes
I’m already self centered.
Yup. Oh and they forgot Xanga.
Psh!
Yes
Self-centered, really? I mean, sure, I could totally use some attention and instant gratification, right now!
our society as a whole has become that way..
hmmm Myspace, facebook, etc allow people to put their own problems online therefore the whole world can see their whole drama. I have a myspace and I can’t tell you how much drama has happened over myspace. It’s ridiculous. Then again, it’s not the actual cause, it’s the teenage dumbasses that take advantage. So if they become self centered from it, truth is, they were self centered from the beginning. Nobody should blame the site. They should blame themselves.
Eh. I s’pose.
Definitely. Even the recent “25 Things About Me” fad proves it.
yes
haha probably. i can see how it could boost people’s confidence, too though, so the self-centeredness might not be a bad thing if it’s in small doses, you know?
Absofreakinglutely.
Yup come check out my blog I only posted 72 times today. blah
yeah, definitely! if ever there was someone who HATES any attention on them, i couldn’t imagine it making sense for them to have a xanga/myspace/fb. there is this hunger for attention behind writing a blog for people to read, or posting 846736757 photos of yourself like every few seconds
of course. we’re all becoming celebrities.
I think young people are typically self-centered. It would help if they left their rooms once in a while though (she says, listening to her teenage brother playing video games in the room he hasn’t left for six days).
More self centered. These sites contain a lot of narcissistic self marketing. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate any further than that.
-David
YES SIR!
Heck, I’m trying to cut down, on every single one of them!
Well yeah, social networking sites are basically all about you. Yeah, one might say that it’s a way to “keep in touch,” but we all know the real joy of social networking is when people comment on your crap and whatnot. I’d agree with that statement.
Of course, it has been nice since I’ve been at college, since it’s a great way to keep up with things at home.
I don’t go on Facebook that long, only for about 15 minutes at the most.
No, they just give us something else to blame it on.
Probably…at least for some people.
yup
YES
They’re definitely enablers. Becoming self-centered is still our own choice.
Honestly, my answer is no. I don’t focus on myself when I come onto these sites. I mainly use them to communicate with others and read about other people.
What?
I like blogs better than facebook.
but facebook is very useful to talk to people I don’t want to call/see in person. I’m a recluse.
They cause me to look at my life and say, “I haven’t done anything in comparison to all my friends!” So I guess they do make you more self-centered.
I was too busy thinking about myself to read your post!!!!!
Um yeah!
vair.
Absolutely.
I’m guilty of being on Facebook every single day [except weekends]. Do I think I’m self-centered? That’s a hard question. In all honesty, yes. But I guess I’m not continually worrying about myself and my “status” on Facebook; I’m addicted to the applications. Heh, still.
Agree
I think internet communication in general does that. I only blog and post in forums – I don’t do the facebook/myspace stuff – but I’ve noticed my attention span seems to have got shorter since I’ve started using the internet in general. And I’ve heard others say the same.
Not sure about the speculation that it can cause autism – they’d need to do some proper studies to find out. I’d suggest, from the autistic people I’ve met online, that it’s more that the internet attracts people on the autistic spectrum. There’s also the argument that autism is increasing because the increase in computer technology means that autistic people can find a niche in a highly paid career, and are thus more likely to attract a mate and reproduce and give birth to more autistic children. Survival of the fittest type thing – the world now has more of a need for a different type of brain.
And I’ve never planned my essays before writing them – computers have made no difference to that.
yes indeedy! would xanga be considered a social network as well?
yes, without question.
YES
Yes- think of all the survey notes being posted…”25 Random Things About ME“
Most certainly depends on the person. Not everyone is obsessed with their feedback log, comments, or number of friends. Some people have it just to write, or rant, or vent with no pity or gratification desired. Sometimes it’s just an outlet.
@juliebeanss - yes, technically it is. You have friends, you converse through blogs and comments e.g. socialize via the interwebs.
Xanga…no. It is a different set-up – as I have said before. Most of us write our thoughts out here. On Facebook, you are just checking in with people and making a narcisistic (sp?) comment about your day.
I think that those sites are good outlets for self absorption.
Yes.
We all complain about not having enough time to do anything yet we waste hours in front of a computer screen. Did you know the average person only has 12 days of complete hapiness?
And 10 of those days have already passed by the time they have reached 14.
So sad.
People are definitely way more self-centered! I have to go through Facebook/Xanga “fasts” to try and rid my obsession with updating or reading what others are doing. People can create their own little worlds and oftentimes, they shrink into it and away from things that actually help others.
hell yes
Maybe, but it’s probably not the biggest problem THE YOUTH OF TODAY are facing right now.
I was self centered before social networking sites.
The sites just encourage me to share my self centeredness with the world…
I can see that to be true. All of those sites focus something about the individuals. Like showing pictures of oneself, writing about oneself, and telling the world what you are doing. Before I had Xanga, I never talked about myself this much or express my opinion so openly.
Most definitely.
…Seriously?
No.
Oh for sure. One hundred percent. We spend hours on sites like facebook, myspace, and xanga figuring out in which light we would like to present ourselves.
We update our statuses so people can know how feel.
We post pictures of ourselves so people can see what we look like.
We edit our info so people can know us better.
We post blog entries so people can glance into our minds.
If that doesn’t sound like hours of vanity in front of a mirror, I don’t know what does.
Count me out. I just closed my Facebook account and my MySpace and Xanga profiles are open to friends and family only for the purpose of keeping in touch. No famewhoring from this 20-something.
HA! No, I don’t think that’s an accurate *oooh, shiny*
Wait…what?
Yes.
Yes.
No, it’s just a venue for human self-centeredness our forefathers wish they had. (Philadelphia Freedom)
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Absolutely. I’ve seen the results of this first-hand. Well, I guess it’d be third-hand; it was actually on Facebook.
We had a thread going, and these people who, I guess, weren’t interested in the discussion were literally flipping out with cusswords and yelling and stuff every time we replied to it. It’s like, seriously, we all have to stop replying just because you don’t want to be in our conversation? And you can’t just go delete the message, or change Facebook settings so that you’re not notified of thread replies?
Yes. Have you seen all the pictures people post of just themself on those sites. People suddenly think the world is watching them and post all about themselves when, more realistically, only family and close friends pay attention to their sites.
Um, duh.
Myspace and facebook…YES, absolutely. They’re faster paced, too.
Twitter less so, xanga has much much less potential for that…’cause it’s less “centered about you” (just as the option to be about you). Xanga and Twitter…crickets can easily chirp and a good portion on this site don’t even care!
For example, some of us spend hours on here blogging about subjects that matter…*cough* rarely talking about themselves *cough* and are quite fortunate to get any views, recs, and comments. WHERE is the instant gratification?
Or…maybe, it’s just my circle where there’s not so much ego. *shrugs*
But you Dan, of course, are the exception!
Wait…did you put my pic up? No? *snooze*
I don’t think so.
If that’s the only socializing a young person does, yes. The only way to learn those vital social skills necessary in life is to interact with others in person and, thus, learn by doing. This I did in the pre-internet age. Communicating online is a great thing. But, if the basis of real life interaction has not been laid first… well, let’s just say it’s a poor substitute at best.
i think all this tech stuff is hurting attention spans….
i dont think its the cause but its a definite tool in allowing people become more shallow, and unable to be more in depth. i sure as hell am not letting my kids be exposed to all the crappy advertisements and predators online. they can read books and paint till theyre eighteen. and go fishing. man alive nobody goes fishing anymore….
Or maybe we like to share A LOT and very quickly.
Yes, and I also think that they’ are the perfect excuse for avoiding social interaction