I was thinking about Facebook and mass communications. In grad school, media theory classes reviewed the Two-step flow of communication (Katz and Lazarsfeld, 1955) , which holds that information from the media is filtered and interpreted by “opinion leaders,” who then serve as sources of expertise for the rest of us.
This model describes how I use FB. Many of my friends filter information—in politics, human / animal rights, education or leisure (books, movies, sports or dance). I consult my opinion leaders in their areas of specialization. . . . .
News Updates
In periods of strife, FB friends continue to provide updates on Turkey, the Gezi Park protests. Most of these stories have been silenced by the government or been “overlooked” by US media.
Intellectual Stimulation
One thing I have missed in leaving academia is the intellectual stimulation—those brown bag lunches with a guest speaker or a book or research talk. Former professors , FB friends, provide links to good books or articles. I continue to be interested in my past research, which dealt with media disinformation as well as the exchange of scientific information in periods of censorship. But I also love good fiction.
New Light on Friendships
FB has enabled me to reconnect with friends (including those from elementary school, many of whom have gone on to successful careers) and former students, their careers and interests (Tani maintains a very good beer blog).
Perspectives
Some of the good reads and ideas come from my LIKE of the Huffington Post or Dwell, a design magazine that features a sustainable lifestyle. A recent article published in the Washington Post (and carried by Huffington) featured the response to a 1961 letter from Harvard admissions, which basically rejected the candidate because the school didn’t see how she could balance motherhood and studies.
The Personal
The day-to-day Facebook is invaluable. I see photos (people, pets and places). I get updates on events. Sure, there is a downside. Some friends post (and post) trite things or send invites for games. Others espouse views at the opposite end of the political spectrum. But overall, I like FB! But then, most of my friends are discerning posters.
FB is a good way to filter out some internet noise for sure! Working as an online community, we can share the interesting news! I can also say that it's cut down on friend-spam in email too. They just post away and share on FB now, and I can filter that out!
ReplyDeleteI like the ability to share info or post events. And the "hide" can be useful. ;-) Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget Anthony Seegar Campus School news!
ReplyDeleteThe Campus School group is an important part of my news (friends, politics, animals, ethics, approach to live). FB has enabled us to reconnect.
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