Saturday, August 18, 2012

School!

School starts Monday, August 20.

As with all the other years, both being a student and a teacher, this is a very exciting day. I love school!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

FaceBook

Facebook is a noun, a verb, and often a hobby.
It is a free social media utility on the Internet, supported by advertising.
The user accepts "friends" -- those he wishes to stay in contact with.
The user can post pictures, respond to comments, see others' comments on a myriad of subjects and topics.

Facebookers post cute and clever sayings, posters, all designed to garner support with a "Like" button. If the content is agreeable, you hit Like. You can even make a smiley face or a heart to emphasize your point of view. If you like it or not, you are free to comment and state your opinion. Lots of opinions are posted. Since there is very little control of language, it often gets pretty rough. The smiley face sometimes softens the words. The number of exclamation points often rates the degree of agreement or opposition.

People deny using Facebook much the same way viewers denied watching TV in the '70s and '80s. The general view is that it is addictive and therefore the user is not in control. When in truth, the positive feedback helps to create the production of endorphins in our brains and makes for satisfying feelings, reinforcing emotions. We are a social creation. We need people.

Conversely, venting through posted pictures and posters with clever sayings, or advertising opinions to controversial subjects provides satisfaction for that "Boy-wish-I-would-have-said-that" feeling that accompanies the quick emotional response to the Enter button on the keyboard. The comment can be edited or deleted if the user changes his mind. That happens, too -- after he vents! This can start what is known as a "Facebook War."

Then, the user has the option of not only deleting or hiding comments or posts, he can delete friends! It's the ultimate rejection!

The screen, called the "wall" in Facebook language, shows commenters' dissatisfaction with Facebook and its seemingly arbitrary power that replaces their own power. "I hate Facebook." "No one comments on my stuff anymore." "I spend 'way too much time on Facebook.""I am leaving Facebook." "Good-bye, Facebook."

Then they log back on to see who responds to that!

This social media utility can be a great communication tool. Just keep it positive!!!! :) <3