The Wandering Socialite: A Social Network Super Fan

The Wandering Socialite:

Facebook. The word almost seems passé now and yet, we still continue to incorporate this form of social media into our daily routines. Looking more directly at how Facebook has impacted our lives, we may examine the re-definition of words associated with Facebook.

“Friendship” and “Privacy” are two words that five years ago I would associate with relationships and solitude. Today these are words that I automatically associate with a social network, an online database that would have meant nothing to me 5-10 years ago but means everything to me today (online.) As noted in Eric Qualman’s “Social Media Revolution,” my offline behaviour has now been affected by my online behaviour. It may be argued that I have become a brand ambassador for Facebook; as I have re-defined these words in my own mind based on my Facebook usage and dependency.

In “How to Convert your Superfans into Brand Ambassadors,” Aliza Sherman explains that my jump from being a Facebook “Superfan” (someone who visits the network regularly) to a brand ambassador (someone who has incorporated the network into my daily routine) is linked to my desire to be a part of a community. (http://gigaom.com/collaboration/how-to-convert-your-facebook-superfans-into-brand-ambassadors/)

Sherman explores what motivates users to use Facebook in the first place and why we continue to re-visit  our Facebook pages so frequently. The author determines that we as a public have a desire to feel connected. Sherman then goes on to explain that it is our actions made when seeking connection that enable us to incorporate a social network such as Facebook into our lives. I believe that Sherman’s claims are true and one of the reasons for this is that I have checked my Facebook three times while writing this blog.

Sherman has correctly identified that our natural desire to be a part of a community has linked us to use such devices as Facebook. However, actions that are accepted “online” are not necessarily accepted “offline” when attempting to find community and connect with our peers. In the Youtube video, “The Offline Social Network.” two strangers on the street attempt to ask other strangers personal information about themselves that is commonly asked on Facebook. The strangers asking the questions are surprised to learn that asking for such personal information from other strangers face to face is not necessarily socially acceptable in the same way that it is online.