The five reasons why I think Facebook.com is the best development for Canadian Youth culture are:
1. It maintains strong social ties
2. It provides life skill development
3. It increases social awareness
4. It helps teens cope
5. It gets teens involved in politics
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1. It maintains strong social ties
Probably the reason most people join Facebook in the first place is to link up with
past and present friends and to make new friends. Through photos, videos, and birthday greetings teens are able to express a caring side that they aren’t always comfortable displaying in person. Old friends that have moved away or changed schools seem much closer through frequent Facebook contact. Even long distance relatives seem to live right next door by creating their own family network. Social ties transcend religion, culture, and social boundaries and put everyone on an equal platform. Teens can realize how cool their great grandmother is by sending her photos of their prom and reading her comments below the pictures.2. It increases social awareness
TV news broadcasts and newspapers are mediums that do not appeal to most teenagers because they are ‘old media’. Facebook is the best development for Canadian youth because it has provided teens with a new medium that helps build social awareness. They can create/join groups in support of a cause (E.g. Relay for Life), join groups and sign a petition for a cause (E.g. Petition for Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws in Ontario), and schedule organized social gatherings (E.g. Toronto Humane Society Protest) in support of their group. Teens are more comfortable because the age barrier is eliminated, allowing many different groups to comfortably work together towards a common cause. Getting Canadian youth motivated to become involved in global issues is crucial because these young people are the building blocks of tomorrow’s society.
3. It provides life skill development
Facebook provides Canadian youth with educational benefits. They can join groups and participate in online discussions. This gives them the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and debating skills. Facebook is also a great way for teens to work late on group projects and homework together. As a side benefit, Facebook is great in teaching Canadian youth to organize their time with its many reminders of events and deadlines. It teaches them the importance of presenting themselves in a positive manner since many relationships are initiated and maintained through Facebook connections. Evidence can be collected and held against you from Facebook pictures, wall posts, and connections. Take for example the case in British Columbia of an 18 year old teen who was arrested for posting a hit list on his Facebook account. This is just one of many instances where teens have been held accountable for their Facebook actions.
4. It helps teens cope
Facebook serves as a place where the teen community can cope and grieve together. It is obvious who most teens will look to after a tragedy, their friends. Facebook is appealing to grieving teens because it provides them with a fast way to connect with their peers. Teens no longer have to wait for cues from their schools or parents on when and how they should grieve. Facebook allows teens to feel a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation. It gives them the opportunity to create/join groups and events in memoriam. What is most interesting is Facebook’s ability to create a cyber-link between teens and the deceased. For example:
“hey buddy, its been awhile, hope your doing well up there. R.I.P”
5. It gets teens involved in politics
Facebook groups allow Canadian youth to discuss their political concerns. Many youth express disinterest in politics because they feel as if their opinions are of little importance to the government. Facebook groups provide an outlet for youth to voice their opinions and feel as if their voice is being heard.
Some Facebook groups created by teens have already reached politicians, such as the groups protesting Ontario New Young Driver Restrictions. The groups argued new limits on teen passengers for G2 licensed drivers. The proposed legislation was not passed as a result of the Facebook backlash. Facebook also allows them to become supporters of political parties. They can learn about and discuss the party’s political goals. I believe that Facebook is a social networking site from which many Canadian youth voters will emerge.
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It would be great if I could get my parents to read this... but I doubt that's ever going to happen since they refuse to see the practicality of using the computer ;). I will wait to prove them wrong on that subject in my next blog!
