Issues discussed in Frontline, Innovative Analytics, and Wired Magazine

Frontline - "Growing Up Online"

In the world we live in where the only constant is change, People have evolved not only physically but socially as well. The term "social network" is a "social structure made of individuals (or organizations)… which are tied by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships… knowledge or prestige"(Wikipedia). People have grown into the idea of social networking via the internet where the world is connected 24/7. Such examples of websites which promote social networking are Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. These sites are opportunities or doorways for one to become someone out of the ordinary and put on a façade for the world to enjoy. What this implies is that social networking sites promote false imagery and self promotion to enjoy the satisfaction of temporary fame. Most children's parents are oblivious to the fact that their children are creating false personas for the world to see and virtually opening the doors of their private lives to be seen by public eyes. Some say that the internet is a necessity and people will not be able to live without it which conflicts with the resolution of banning these social networking sites for children to see. Although the internet may be a dangerous place, children who grew up under proper teachings and morals will know when some things are dangerous and to stop what they might do.

Innovative Analytics - How Obama Did It
An intriguing way of bringing about supports through the internet, the Obama campaign tactfully used social networking to their advantage to its fullest potential. The Obama campaign used social networking to gather volunteers and supporters who then contacted their friends in order to bring support. In a macro level of society, this chain of relations brings about an exponential amount of supporters. Social networking was the key in bringing together people and funding the campaign for presidency. The internet is a common ground where hundreds of millions of people gather to look for information. Because of this, the internet has become a political battlefield in a sense for candidates who wish to gather support for their campaign. Social networking has played a key role for Obama during this time and social networking will indeed play a key role in future elections to come.

Wired Magazine - Second Life Teaches Life Lessons
Bringing together those who are socially handicapped and those who aren’t in a world of unity and social exchange, Second life has brought about a radical social change and an endless amount of opportunities for those who lack social ties. David Émile Durkheim, a sociologist, researched that those who lack social ties were more prone to commit suicide. Although this may not be the case, Second Life brings a way of reducing those who have less social ties by bringing worlds together almost similar to a melting pot. The computer itself lets people hide behind a computer screen and let people become their ideal figure by personalizing their avatar, an in-game character in which the player uses, to their liking. Also, Second Life is almost like a second life in that people in the game community can create businesses and make a way of living in that game by using real currency. This game with a lack of a story line and a plot does not lack the fun or experience that games are supposed to give. The freedom of play that Second Life brings also gives people a sense of control in their own lives.