Social networking and privacy

            I only have a facebook account right now; I have never had a twitter, mysapce, or blog (besides the one for my sociology 49 class) before.  However, even though I only have one real social network account I still feel that I use facebook enough to be considered an average user of social networking sites.  I generally check my facebook every time I turn a computer.  Sometimes I actively browse through friend’s accounts for extended periods of time, however, once I log in I generally just check my updates and just leave it on in the background.  I think what would categorize me as a less avid facebook user, would be that I do not post statuses very often and almost never upload a picture or video of myself.  Even though it seems like I am facebook as much as most users, I tend not to take as seriously or use it share all of my personal details.  Comparatively I have much fewer facebook friends for I do not send friend requests and do not accept most requests unless they are a close friend.  I think the reason for this is primarily because I am a very conservative person and seem to be on the more quiet side.  So this personality trait of mine transfers over into my social network.  However, I am not alone in this.  I have found that the people that are more attention starved and feel the need to be heard or are just more out-going are the ones who have thousands of friends and post multiple statuses daily.

            Although I am seemingly a less than avid facebook user, on the other hand, I am a very keen on texting and phone usage.  Anyone that knows me or is around me for even short period of time can see that I am constantly using my smart phone.  Before I bought my first smart phone in the previous summer, I was always texting someone, although it was generally one of the same three people.  Now that I have my android phone, I am always on it whether it be texting my girlfriend, surfing the web, playing games, or checking my facebook.  It is actually very scary how addicted I am to my phone now.  I cannot imagine how I was able to make it through my day before I had all these capabilities on one device.  It seems that my android has become the most important piece of technology that I have right now for it does pretty much everything I need, except for some minor tasks. 

            I am a firm believer that all this new technology and convergence has become essential in our lives and cannot be removed from our society.  The only real drawback to this explosion of technology is how addicting it has become, for example most people feel as if they could not survive if they went a day without checking their facebook or just searching the internet.  Unfortunately I have become of those addicted to technology, however I do not go as far as to post my every thought and have my entire life posted on the internet.  For those who do live their lives on the internet, it can be a bitter-sweet relationship for it is the best way to stay connected but can also be used to take advantage of people.