Essay 3

Which social-networking services do you use? (Such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or any other)

I currently have Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, and Twitter accounts (in addition to this Blogger account). However, I only actively use Facebook and Twitter.

If you use any service — How much time do you spend using the services, on average, each week? What “value” would you put on the time you spend using the sites — how important is it to you? Would you pay a fee to keep your account(s)? If yes, how much would you pay (annually)?

On any given week, I am on the Facebook website two or three hours. When using the computer, I will sign in to Facebook and Twitter, but won't actively look at them. They are simply open in a browser as I do homework, search the web, or read content online.

The ability to stay in contact with friends - both close and distant - and family is important to me. It is nice to have the ability to stay tuned into what people are doing, to a greater extent than text messages or phone calls make possible. Rather than hearing what people are up to, Facebook allows me to see what they are up to. These social networks, though important, are not substites for genuine relationships. They merely enhance the friedships I have already started with people.

Though I would much rather the sites be free to use, I would, if necessary, pay a fee to use them. However, it depends on two simple factors:

1. How much? If Facebook were to charge $120 a year to use their service, I would discontinue my use of it and search for another site. There are many out there that are free to use. If it were $24/year ($2/month), I would more than likely continue my use of it. However, it would depend on the second factor.

2. Who is using it? If all my friends left Facebook because of the price, there would be no sense in paying for the service. To me, I use it because of the friends that are using it. If they leave, so does my reason to have it. A social network without anyone to socialize with is pointless.