I think it still needs a little refinement, but definitely getting there. FF
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Working Thesis
While Twitter sometimes provides an invaluable communication service, one of its true usages is to provide users with a synthetic relationship with others, especially celebrities and important politicians, that enhances their personal symbolic status. In effect Twitter provides a chance for everyone to simulate being a someone. They not only receive assurances that people are actually paying attention to the minutia of their lives, but are connected to many others, some of whom are of high social status, and informed of those people's every thoughts in a similar way that friends or family communicate. Twitter provides a discourse community that encourages this through their micr-blogging technology and the ease of connectivity provided.
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Freeman-
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great topic. It seems that you bring up two really important issues. First, that Twitter provides synthetic relationships to others. This is really interesting observation. There is an article about twitter and "ambient knowledge" that says that we actually build deeper offline relationships by knowing all these little bits of info about our friends from Twitter. Do you buy that?
Also, the fascination and encouragement of celebrity on Twitter is pretty cool too. Another good article is called Almost Famous and was in Wired and is about people who are famous for being famous online.
As you continue to draft he essay you will probably focus in on one of these things regarding Twitter. Also, keep focusing on specific ways that the community uses language (words, images, etc.) to perform identity and build community.
Excellent topic! I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Jen
I think what you have come up with is a very good way to go. I like how you stated that Twitter provides synthetic relationships. Good job. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you are on the right track with your thesis, you have a good argument going on how twitter provides synthetic relationships. Great start!
ReplyDeleteTwitter is a new communication source that is very big. The site as a whole seems to make it seem liek the world is coming into something where everyone wants to know what the other one is doing.It shows how people are os obsessed wih knowing what everyone is doing at all times. It seems like it is a lot about status as well.
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