Ryan put on his list about MySpace pretty much as a haven for those under the age of 21. While I agree with this sentiment, I think people are Really losing sight of what MySpace was originally intended to be.
MySpace in the old days was a haven for musicians to display their music. While over the years, it’s changed (a LOT), I still think it’s that same haven, because that’s why I had an account in the first place. To keep up with my friends band.
One thing about MySpace however, is I’ve met a lot of old folks that I would probably never have heard from again, only because they either found me on MySpace or I found them. Granted, there are those people who find me through this site too. MySpace is a social site, just like Orkutz or Facebook, and all the other crazy social sites. It’s popularity is just incredible.
I also use MySpace because of the popularity. It’s one way to get attention. Post a bulletin to your friends and watch how it cascades into a long stream of forwards. When my wife’s co-worker’s daughter was missing, I sent out a bulletin with information for her website, and guess what, we found her, and all because of that bulletin. Amazing how that works.
In many ways, using MySpace is just wrong. I cannot believe the amount of sexual predators on that site. But in other ways, MySpace does good work. It’s a yin-yang thing I think.
What do you think of MySpace? Is it a haven for the underground teenagers? Should adults just refrain from even opening up an account? What’s your opinion?
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Bored
- Sad
- Angry
I use MySpace, but then almost every single one of my friends is on there, and I have to be there just to keep up.
I’ve never used MySpace, but I will be scared when my kids are older.
I call it satanspace. I agree it used to be for great things. Now its just crawling with creeps. bleh.
Before I started blogging, I thought MySpace was for the younger crowd. I still don’t know all that much about it but I think it’s okay if you’re careful of who you meet there.
I have a My Space account too. That’s how I get to talk to my older grandkids in California and Oregon. And also to my daughter and daughter-in-law in Hawai’i. And to my son. I get to see what’s up in their lives. And I don’t just accept all the request for friends. My friend list is small and with people I actually know. My top friends are all family. It’s really not that bad if you don’t let just anyone on your friends list.
But it is true about it being a haven for teenagers. If they use it wisely, they won’t get into trouble.
Hey Yoshi, thought I would just clarify a couple things.
First, hopefully my rather harsh criticism of MySpace will be taken in the correct context. I criticized myspace in a rant. To me, a rant is generally a bit over the top and exaggerated for the sake of reader enjoyment, and should not be taken completely serious..
Secondly, much of what I did say in my “rant” I do believe. It seems that so many are valuing themselves based on the number of virtual friends they can accumulate, regardless of whether they actually know these “friends” in real life. The amount of young teens (and others I suppose) that are so desperate for acceptance is surreal. So desperate that they continually push the envelope of extremeness by showing the world they are “cool” and “hip” since they are 14 and partying and doing drugs. They push the envelope further by posting near-pornographic photos of themselves, which, at such early ages can lead to nothing but problems, and in my mind sets a standard for other young people. A very bad standard if you ask me..
These are simply my old-fashioned opinions. I believe that when used carefully, in moderation, and hopefully with some sort of parental supervision (for the younger crowd) I think it can be a very good thing. Unfortunately, virtually every myspace I’ve ever been to are not using it this way..
Sorry for the long post here my friend. :)
Yeah, i knew it was a rant, and there was a bit of over the top for a reason. But I was just curious to hear what others had to say too, because i feel exactly the same way as you about it.
Actually, I have my friends, and their KIDS in my friendspace, and that is probably the most disturbing to me. if anything else, it’s to keep an eye on them, although I know they’re good kids, and I’m pretty sure that’s why my friends do it too. :)
And long comments have never bothered me, long comment away!