It is interesting to consider this critique while discussing today's social networking sites such as FaceBook and Twitter. These sites promote exactly what the author of the article is ranting about: "fitting in". In my opinion, these sites are ways for people to advertise themselves. They post pictures, write about what they ate that morning, and create statuses that highlight their wit and intelligence. These insights into their personality is shared with all of their acquaintances. Social networking sites are a place to judge and be judged.
These sites promote conformity in order to be accepted in society. People know they are accepted when they receive comments on their pictures, "likes" on their status, and multiple friend requests. People edit their interests, music, and clothes (in their pictures) in order to portray a socially acceptable version of themselves on the site. Nothing is worse when a new default is posted and nobody comments or "likes" it!
"Something must be wrong in the picture- my shirt is outdated- nobody likes my shirt or me- I need a profile picture like Jenny's- she's so fashionable- I want to be like Jenny"
Friends imitate other friends, and individuality is lost. FaceBook is not art. It does not seek to provoke thought or intellectuality. It doesn't show the feelings and creativity of a person. It instead seeks to show the exterior, surface skin of a person. Everything about these social networking sights is aimed to win the acceptance and approval of your peers. It's key purpose is to strengthen the ego and promote conformity.
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