Confusion on the Web

“Linkedin is for people you know, Facebook is for people you used to know, Twitter is for people you want to know.”

 

This quote has been often used to describe social media. If you're a member of all three social networks, then you easily get the sense of each one. I created a LinkedIn account about a month ago and immediately figured out this is nothing like Facebook. Other users know when you've clicked their profile regardless if you're connected or not. Professionalism is key which means lying about your accomplishments and who you are are not what you want future employers to see.

I found it interesting that somebody I didn't know invited me to connect. I noticed this person went to the same school as me and seemed to know the same people I  know. Then, I noticed that she joined a group that my best friend happens to work for. Using some deductive reasoning, I thought this unknown connection worked with my best friend. Turns out, that wasn't the case. My friend had no idea who this person was despite knowing everybody who works in the group's office. 

The point is, social media can convince users to lie or exaggerate about ourselves to create an opportunity. LinkedIn is great for looking for employers, but it's also a way for people to make themselves look more appealing for a particular job. 

That's what I'm assuming this person who I didn't know or my friend didn't know, was trying to do. She fell into the habit of trying to look as if you know many people, when really you don't. It's just another example of how lying is part of the Web culture.

Sports and Deception

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/07/sports/autoracing/a-drivers-deeds-fail-to-match-her-words.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Go ahead and click the link above. 

After scavenging the Web on my phone I came across this interesting story. Here's the gist of it:

• Tia Norfleet is an African-American woman who races cars
• However, she claims to be an accomplished NASCAR Nationwide driver
• When really, she's only raced in one low level NASCAR race 
• Really, it wasn't exactly "racing." She just started the race, then parked the car after only one lap

What's interesting about this, is that it's another case of someone in their 20's that is exaggerating the facts about themselves. I don't know if this marketing tactic was completely Norfleet's idea, it could very easily be someone part of her public relations team that put this entire thing together. However, I do know that this is just another addition to this new trend of deceiving others. 

I Just Don't Get It

 



The Web is an amazing place. It's a entire virtual word filled with never-ending information about issues, history, fashion, music, but most importantly people.

Social media is thriving more than ever. Everyone needs to be connected and informed whether it's through a tweet, a Facebook like, a reblog or whatever else it out there. Social media is a great tool for people looking to reconnect with lost friends or relatives and accessing the latest news almost instantly, but social media, and  new technology has created this cultural epidemic of being a fake.

Now you probably know where I'm going with this. There are millions of fake Facebook profiles out there. If you've seen Catfish: The T.V. Show, then you know what I'm talking about. Young people, usually ages 18-25, are the ones creating fraudulent personalities both online and in person. 

But why? What is this fascination with alternate personalities and scamming others for enjoyment. The anonymity of the Web is definitely the main fuel source, but there must be something more behind it. Until then, I'll continue blogging about my curiosity for what I consider an epidemic and I won't be blogging as some fraudulent Web user hiding behind a keyboard.