LeliaThomas.Com

MySpace, a Virtual Mirror of Society

(Note: Some pictures in this article may be considered inappropriate, especially in an office setting. They are displayed only for informational purposes. I do not condone the behavior shown within these images.)

One of the things that has amazed me in the last two years is something a lot of you might find humourous. I am completely awed by the popularity of MySpace. While I did register a username there a year or so ago, to see what the fuss was all about, I can’t stand the website. It’s terribly designed, ad-filled, completely bereft of anything that will make you think, and basically rampant with shallow conversation and people trying, most of all, to get attention. So I’ve been asking myself, “Why is MySpace loved so much?” How is it that the Murdoch Corporation (Fox/News Co.) would pay almost $600 million U.S. dollars for this disgusting excuse for a website? Obviously, they bought it because it’s what people are flocking to, but why? I’ve come to a conclusion. MySpace is a direct reflection of western society itself.

MySpace and Major Social Networking Sites

MySpace is apparently the most popular website in the United States. According to Wikipedia, it enlists 500,000 new members a week. Yes, a week. It’s the fourth most-popular English-language website, and seventh most popular of any language, according to fairly recent Alexa internet rankings.

MySpace is among many “friends,” too. Other popular sites like TagWorld and Friendster have many of the same social networking components. People flock to them to “socialize.” That’s it. There’s nothing mentally beneficial about the website, really. There are sometimes great musicians who have MySpace accounts, but good luck loading anything among MySpace’s ad and animation-heavy playground. More than anything, you simply converse publicly on a terrible interface.

MySpace vs. Civilization in Reality

What is MySpace, but a virtual high school? People vent on web journals about their ex lovers, or praise the new ones. They begin rumours and spread them. They vie for attention by putting suggestive photographs of themselves online in hopes that maybe, just maybe, some random person will tell them they are beautiful.

There is a fight for popularity by way of looks or attitude (good or bad or outrageous; it doesn’t matter), and I would venture to say that there is an obvious hierarchy of user power if you stay around long enough. These are all the components that I’m sure most readers will recall more or less make up high school. But MySpace isn’t just for teens, oh no. That may be its targeted demographic, but there are millions of people 25 and older who are dedicated users.

Going with the idea that MySpace is a reflection of real western society, I went in search of theories in regard to civilization. There are multiple theories, but I found one in particular fit what I am referring to here. It is as follows:

[The system theory states that] civilizations [are] complex systems or networks of cities that emerge from pre-urban cultures, and are defined by the economic, political, military, diplomatic, and cultural interactions between them….For example, urbanist Jane Jacobs defines cities as the economic engines that work to create large networks of people.

What limits such a theory to reality? Can such a thing be virtual? Yes, in my opinion. Anyone who has spent any time online knows that cultural, societal and economical differences do, in fact, play a role in online interaction and, dare I say it, power. This is because, quite understandably, we can’t deny our culture or financial background; it is a part of us, whether we like it or not. Our economic status defines how we handle ourselves in all situations, even those online. Politics are everywhere on the internet. Our countries’ military and diplomatic decisions affect how we see one another.

And MySpace started in New York City, where its main headquarters are based. It spread through a city, into other cities, and has branched out through them, thus fitting the system theories of civilization. It is a virtual society where people rub elbows, as well as make enemies.

MySpace Learns from Reality: Money

In many ways, I feel the internet, in certain areas, is a level playing field. You have your big names, but just about anyone can start something and work their way up, if they’re dedicated enough. MySpace and similar social networking sites potentially harm that nature of the Internet, though, if for no other reason than they are like reality. Why is it that we want to duplicate the parts of reality that aren’t beneficial? Reality isn’t all that great in some ways. Reality often makes you a face in the crowd to such a point that you can’t change that fact.

Some MySpace celebrities apparently include current or previous Playboy bunnies, models, big-name musicians and others. We already give these same sorts of groups too much power in reality. Power in printed magazines, power on the radio, power in television–even power in household products. So, why is it that we want to give them power and popularity through the Internet as well? Don’t they make enough money off of society, as is?

However, the average user apparently doesn’t view MySpace’s “power structure” in such a light.

MySpace Learns from Reality: Crime

Before I left the United States, MySpace was in the news so much that I was going cross-eyed. As seen from this entry, readers now know I have very little–if anything–for MySpace, but it’s not an “evil” site, like the media made it out to be after some kidnappings and murders could be linked back to it. It’s just what I would call a misguided site, and one that is merely for profit. (Which, I suppose, depending on the perspective you’re looking at things from, might mean it’s actually guided quite well!)

Crime–that is, physical and mental crime, rather than the usual money scams and such–is one of the things MySpace has “learned” from reality. This is in part because over 100 million users are on MySpace. The potential for heinous crimes to be committed skyrockets as the “population” grows in a confined area that can’t be well monitored. This especially holds true, considering so many teenagers use notoriously poor judgment when navigating this website, and therefore, the need for third party monitoring is rather high.

The only danger of MySpace, given its large user base, is actually the main danger that exists in reality, and that is letting your guard down. People seem to forget that there is still some reality in virtual reality, and crimes can and will be committed.

MySpace Learns from Reality: Women as Objects

I am of the opinion that the more women want to be lusted after is directly proportional to their feelings of self-worth. The following pictures are from actual MySpace user pages that belong to females between the ages of 16 and 30. I have not provided any usernames and have blocked out their eyes to help protect their identity a little. I have, however, provided their marital/dating status and age, where the information was provided. (Keep in mind that these are the profile pictures of women.) Also of note would be that a couple of these women have apparently recently had children with their husbands! Great to know!

Click the thumbnail to see the larger version.

Conclusion

People go to MySpace to socialize, to find people to date when single, when dating and even when married. To whinge, to bastardize the English language. It’s all about the relationships, quite a few unhealthy, and so it’s easy to see where there is a connection between this site and western societies’ moral standings, as well as taste in entertainment.

It is sad that these are the sort of societies–both online and offline–that we create and seemingly desire.

Comments ordered from oldest to newest.

Bright Meadow » MyWHATNow?

[...] I had held off from looking at MySpace because my gut reaction was that I wouldn’t like it. I was right - I loathe it with a fiery, fiery passion. The usability sucks (I’ll take pity here and not add to the canon of work that exists already on how badly designed MySpace is from a usability standpoint) and the concept disturbs me at the most visceral level. The blatant sex-ploitation of the women (and men) on MySpace is one big bugbear for me. All the profiles saying “I’m 20, female, single/taken/dating/looking…” I suggest going and reading Leila’s thoughts on the whole MySpace subject as well. She’s a little more coherent and well written than me. [...]

coyote dreams » Blog Archive » in a river so deep.

[...] And here’s an interesting article by Lelia Thomas on MySpace and it’s popularity, which, for the most part, I agree with. MySpace is high school on the internet. Way too much drama for my taste. I’ll stick to LJ and my blog. [...]

Dan

For one decimating the object rather than the social dynamics of MySpace as the subject … you state that people use it to put pictures up to feel loved and wanted, or to gripe. Well then look at your entire entry about MySpace and its functions, you are griping in the same manner as someone wanting attention. If MySpace wasnt as popular and existed the way it does, I highly doubt you would have written this … In all social aspects we desire attention, love, and so forth … it is then not uncommon for the same to be reflected online. Its not about how professional or well set up that makes sites like MySpace popular … its that it ties people together. In real life we decide who we like/dislike and whose morals are like/unlike ours, in the overall fundamentals in relationships. Why should that be differed in concentration when online … shall we act unlike ourselves and be people whom we are not? Or be people that maybe you may not like in the end, that is your choice. You make it sound as if only the western culture has people of the above sort, and in that logic you have tunnel vision. As ALL cultures have people of variances. And MySpace says what it is in its name MY SPACE … its not a place where one goes to be intellectually challenged with the idioms of modern culturalizations, but to be themselves, in any way they deem fit. If you wish to be challenged in such manners read a book, or watch something on tv in that sort. No one makes you write and bitch about a network that bridges minds together. Wether those minds be good or bad. It just show how people can gripe about something because, in that, they themselves get noticed. As you have. I could go on writing but I will leave this comment as it stands, and close it. Write about more interesting subjects then being associative to a pubescent teen, would be my suggestion.

Blogger

“While I did register a username there a year or so ago, to see what the fuss was all about…”

Apparently you’re still watching the fuss quite actively. MySpace might be indicative of symptoms of an ill society, but spending several paragraphs examining precisely why reveals that you, too, are not immune to the deviant lure of social networking.

Tori

I disagree. Myspace is all about fantasy. People flock there because it lets them be whatever they want to be, put on whatever face they want others to see. It’s also free to use and allows for a lot of customisation. So no big mystery there.

Does it influence wider society? Maybe, but I think that aspect is highly overblown. Certainly not a mirror.

Lelia

Dan and “Blogger” (love that you were man/woman enough to use your name!), I get the impression you’ve never been here before or read any of the other Moral Matters Monday articles to know what they’re about, so welcome!

Well then look at your entire entry about MySpace and its functions, you are griping in the same manner as someone wanting attention.

Considering the pictures I was focusing on were about people trying to gain attention through suggested seduction, I’d like to know where you see a picture of me sprawled out in this entry. Last I checked, there wasn’t one.

If MySpace wasnt as popular and existed the way it does, I highly doubt you would have written this …

Ding, ding, ding! Just like if Microsoft and Macs weren’t popular, we wouldn’t be using their OSes. You’re really on to something here.

Its not about how professional or well set up that makes sites like MySpace popular …

I sure as hell hope not, because they look like shit! :)

its that it ties people together. In real life we decide who we like/dislike and whose morals are like/unlike ours, in the overall fundamentals in relationships. Why should that be differed in concentration when online … shall we act unlike ourselves and be people whom we are not?

Dan, I hate to say it, but you’ve just buried your own argument. This is precisely what this entire article says. The title suggests it, don’t you think? The actions of people on MySpace may not be entirely like their actions in reality, but their morals are still “shining through.” Quite often in the form of faux-sweaty bodies. Hoorah.

You make it sound as if only the western culture has people of the above sort, and in that logic you have tunnel vision. As ALL cultures have people of variances.

Again, I get the impression you’ve not read other entries here. Don’t feel bad. You won’t be the first [or last] person to storm in, make some statement with great bravado and then look a bit weird when I point that out.

No, westerners aren’t the only ones who act like this. For the most part, it’s just that we’re the only ones who can, as a majority, so freely act like this if we choose to. My question is, “Why do we choose to?”

There are good and bad people in every country and culture. However, I spoke of westerners in this entry, considering the site started in the US and is popular in the US and other English-speaking, and usually westernized, nations. Considering that, I felt it rather unnecessary to speak of any moral crises going on in, say, Kenya or Beijing.

Maybe next Monday.

its not a place where one goes to be intellectually challenged with the idioms of modern culturalizations, but to be themselves, in any way they deem fit.

You seem to beat around the bush, though. So, tell me, Dan, would it be okay if your girlfriend got on MySpace behind your back and posted her provocative display picture and acted all girly and cute to everyone who crossed her page? You’d be okay with that, then, if it was “what she deemed fit?” Wow. You’re quite a unique guy!

If you wish to be challenged in such manners read a book, or watch something on tv in that sort. No one makes you write and bitch about a network that bridges minds together. Wether those minds be good or bad.

Let me ask you, do you believe writing this article or the hundreds of others on this site isn’t a challenge? I actually do research–gasp–and I post most every week day. That takes more dedication than book reading and certainly television watching.

As for the “network bridging minds together,” you’ve been listening far too much to Miss Universe “I want world peace speeches.” As said in the part above, if it’s so great and wonderful, even in the context of which I’ve spoken of it here, would it be all right for your girlfriend to be actively searching for a “good time” or a “new lover,” while she was dating you?

It just show how people can gripe about something because, in that, they themselves get noticed. As you have.

Wow, the English gets worse as we go through the comment. Spend less time on MySpace! It’s totally screwing up your grammar there, Dan.

If you feel this article, “this gripe,” is the same as the gripes on MySpace, please do me the favor of linking me to two or three arguments where there’s this coherent of speech. I’ve yet to find many people on MySpace who “even no how 2 uz a paragraf. LOLZ!!!!”

Write about more interesting subjects then being associative to a pubescent teen, would be my suggestion.

Thanks for your comment, Dan, really. And, since you hate this article so, try reading some of the other hundreds of entries on this site, or look at the artwork. Whatever you like. Of course, that might be a challenge to your intellect. If you’re uninterested in something that might make you grow, go directly to MySpace and look at all the young, cheating women that you’re so open to. :)

Lelia

Apparently you’re still watching the fuss quite actively. MySpace might be indicative of symptoms of an ill society, but spending several paragraphs examining precisely why reveals that you, too, are not immune to the deviant lure of social networking.

Hey, “Blogger,” I do watch “the fuss” quite actively. I watch “the fuss” of everything. I feel it’s part of my “job,” of sorts. I like to know why and how things work, and, more importantly, why we choose to act the way we do. I’m very interested in the psychological and sociological implications of things.

Social networking isn’t a bad thing when used “properly,” as in to broaden the mind through some form of [coherent] reading, writing, art viewing, etc., or even humour. (In which case, I suppose MySpace is worth something, because the lack of thought and grammatically correct sentences makes me laugh my ass off.) People use some social networking to get a job, even. It’s not a bad thing.

However, if all you’re doing is wanting to display your half-nude picture on the internet, while your husband is out of the room, that’s not too…”good”…in my opinion. Thus the reason this moral matter was written about.

Lelia

I disagree. Myspace is all about fantasy. People flock there because it lets them be whatever they want to be, put on whatever face they want others to see. It’s also free to use and allows for a lot of customisation. So no big mystery there.

Hey there, Tori. :) I agree about the free to use issues and customization; I do think that’s one of the reasons it’s gotten so popular. But, then, that makes you question “Why MySpace?” Friendster was around before MySpace, I’m almost positive–had the same features, maybe even more(?). And now there are more alternatives than you can shake a stick at; it’s weird to me that users are choosing to stay on a dysfunctional site!

As for the fantasy, I can see what you’re saying, and maybe that is it. But just as I said to a few other users here, fantasy, reflection of society–whatever–does that “excuse” the countless married or dating men and women who flock to MySpace for a new fling or to, perhaps, receive the affection they feel they aren’t currently getting?

Does it influence wider society? Maybe, but I think that aspect is highly overblown. Certainly not a mirror.

I don’t think it influences too much, either. It just simply reinforces the ever-depreciating state of morality and waters it down until everything’s okay. Because, as I’m sure many of those women in those pictures would say to their significant others as an excuse: “It’s just fantasy, just a game. It doesn’t mean anything.”

Emily

I like MySpace. I’ve found several friends I have not seen since grade school. I can post bulletins that all my friends can see at once, at their discretion, instead of my clogging their inboxes. I can post pictures in such the same way. I don’t understand why everyone gets all fired up over the idiots. Of course there are idiots. And perverts. There will always be stupid women using their bodies for attention. So what else is new? They annoy me on MySpace as much as they do out at a club. They are much easily ignored in cyberspace, though. Rather than the occasional message or friend request, I don’t have to deal with the skanks or pervs. Just ignore them. Just like you would anywhere else. I don’t see the big deal. People who find all these problems are digging awfully deep.

Lelia

I like MySpace. I’ve found several friends I have not seen since grade school. I can post bulletins that all my friends can see at once, at their discretion, instead of my clogging their inboxes. I can post pictures in such the same way.

Fair enough, but why do you and your friends choose an ad-ridden, screwy interface over the smooth and efficient interfaces of other social networking sites? That’s something that I’m really curious about when it comes to MySpace users.

People who find all these problems are digging awfully deep.

It took me all of 20 minutes to find all of those women and their coinciding pictures, about five or so minutes per dating/marital status (which is how I searched). So, no, I didn’t have to dig deep. If I dug deep, that image size would have been much larger.

Testing My MySpace Theory, Post #1 » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] In my experience of writing online in the past two to three years, I’ve learned there are three kinds of emails and comments. The first and most common is the neutral comment. It’s nice, but it’s likely a once in a blue moon thing, and that’s all right. The second most common is fan mail. Who doesn’t like to get that? The third is hate mail. Hate mail amuses me for a number of reasons (here’s one). Unlike criticism, which can lead to a thought-provoking discussion, hate mail aims to cut someone in half with petty, unsupported comments. My recent journal entry, MySpace, a Virtual Mirror of Society, created a few mild discussions, but it’s also equaled a few pieces of hate mail for me. Not that I mind; it gives me a giggle or two. But one person figured they’d be even more direct and get me on MSN while I was away from the computer (very classy). Here’s what I received: Message #1: u don no wat ur talkin bout [...]

Testing My MySpace Theory, Post #2 » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] I have some theories about MySpace that haven’t gone down too well, for one reason or another. In an attempt to show just how devoid MySpace is of anything worthwhile, I’m participating on the site for the full month of October. God save us all, as they say. [...]

Sean Flaherty

Lately, i’ve been myself contemplating the societal effects of Myspace, it’s generational impact, and it’s impact on the future. It’s interesting to view anothers ideas about this topic. I’m sure one day, when we are gray and old, our grand-children and great grand-children will be offered a class based on the social effects of Myspace on our generation. Thanks for the website!

Testing My MySpace Theory, Post #3 » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] Confused as to why I’m doing this? Read MySpace, a Virtual Mirror of Society, Post #1, and Post #2. [...]

Lelia

Sean, you might find it interesting to know that the degree I’m pursuing actually has a course called eSociety. I’ll be curious to see if MySpace, and social networking in general, are discussed (as they should be).

Celeste

I can see someone is a LITTLE bitter because they are not obtaining the majority of the Internet’s traffic.
MySpace is what it is: (Its motto says it all) “A Place For Friends.” It’s a digitalized way of communicating, a site which sole purpose is for networking. So far, it has done its job. One can keep in touch with others, inform others of upcoming events, etc. It is e-mail, instant messaging, blogging…all rolled into one. Since when are those negative features? They are certainly not new, for these have been around since the Internet made its debut. Sure, many thirteen-year-old girls show off in halter tops and mini-skirts, and a handful of high school/college-aged teens post sixteeen copies of the same picture - in sixteen revealing angles and poses, of course. While MySpace was created for merely connecting with others, it has, for many people, become a tribute to themselves; an ode to the user.
Teens and the “over-25-year-old” users who can’t maintain a social life in “the real world” WILL do what they can to whore attention.
But who cares?
People will do what they do, with or without the website.
I think it’s more than a little arrogant to claim that MySpace.com is a “disgusting excuse for a website” when it offers an easy-to-use (and free) method of networking and connecting with others.
MySpace is only high school drama when you allow it.
I don’t see how MySpace differs from a site like your own.
Desperate for attention twelve-year-olds in bikinis are not unlike your personal alter of a website. The only difference here (granted, you might not be clad in a bathing suit, but I’m guessing you have your reasons for that) is that I do not need to send you a friend request to comment your page.

A Look Back on 2006 » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] Because you were all so curious–not really, of course–I posted pictures of my apartment this month. (For the record, I’ve since tamed that monster in my toilet. I call him Fred.) The end of the world was found. Later in the month, my entry MySpace, a Virtual Mirror of Society created an interesting series of debates. [...]

Caroline

It’s a website. Who cares. If people want to or don’t want to waste time on the site, then let it be. Ranting about it and providing explanations for it’s existence and popularity will do what? Nothing. Maybe offend the people who use it, but would be the point of that? Like I said, it’s a website. I don’t understand why people make a huge fuss of it, negatively or positively.

Lelia

That’s a pretty passive stance on websites in general, Caroline. So why leave a comment, positive or negative? This is just an article.

SkeptiC

Funny!!
Carolines response is literally arguing against itself in a sense.

MySpaceQueen21

i found this utterly biased…you have talked about girls putting themselves on show yet there are so many guys doing just the same but if guys can do it, girls cant right? and of course you found myspace to be rubbish, it isnt targeted at your age group! its targeted at teenagers because thats when communication counts the most and, i dont know about oyu, but getting to talk to up to 200 people at once in reality is pretty hard. can i guess that no-one added you as a friend??

FYI: myspace headquarters are in california.

Lelia

i found this utterly biased…you have talked about girls putting themselves on show yet there are so many guys doing just the same but if guys can do it, girls cant right?

I did mostly look at women. However, the fact that “many guys are doing just the same” does not justify the lewd behavior of young women. In fact, it makes it worse. Two wrongs do not make a right.

and of course you found myspace to be rubbish, it isnt targeted at your age group! its targeted at teenagers because thats when communication counts the most

For the record, I was 19 when I wrote this, and I certainly knew about MySpace before then. I knew about MySpace when it first came out, because I am a geek, and I pay attention to startups. I likely knew about it before you did, ironically.

MySpace is indeed targeted at teenagers (because you are of the coveted market share for advertisers, my dear!), but to assume MySpace is just for teens because of that is to be pretty confused. With millions of individuals on MySpace, I assure you that you’re in the minority when it comes to age groups. Over half of all individuals who visited MySpace are over 35. Your demographic counts for just over 11 percent. You can see full age demographic details for MySpace here.

I must also say that your ability to communicate as a teenager is no more or less important than your ability to do so as an adult. Don’t think you’re that important. You’re just another human being. We all need to communicate. Some of us just think MySpace is a terrible place to communicate for a number of reasons. (I, for one, prefer Facebook, because I don’t have to endure seizures from flashing backgrounds. Imagine that concept!)

and, i dont know about oyu, but getting to talk to up to 200 people at once in reality is pretty hard.

You talk to 200 people simultaneously on MySpace? I would think there must surely be a few seconds between all your “lol!” and “omg!” posts to your friends. And of course, the survey bulletins.

can i guess that no-one added you as a friend??

Can you guess that no one can add me, since I don’t have an account?? OMG. YES. I MUST LIVE IN A BUCKET.

FYI: myspace headquarters are in california.

You’re correct. My mistake. I get so easily confused, what with the fact that Fox owns MySpace by the balls, and they are located in New York City. I should correct that, but I don’t care enough. I’ll still get poorly-written comments like this!!!!1!!1!!!!!

Michelle

It’s called Collective effervescence, but I prefer “herd effect”. It’s the energy formed by a gathering of people as might be experienced at a sporting event, a carnival, or a riot. This energy can cause people to act differently than in their everyday life. where there are. And don’t worry, many… more will come. It’s like a drug addiction I’m positive.

Burning in MySpace Hell » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] use a few less stupid people on this hunk of rock.”) The amazing thing is that while I have always, always, always, always, always hated MySpace, I loathe it even more since having to take it [...]

Summer

I’ve deleted my account. I had grown more and more disgusted with how much time I spent on it, doing nothing.
Now I want to focus on real things.

Megan Meier’s Suicide in 2006 Has Impacted a Lot » LeliaThomas.Com

[...] directly to her suicide. The 49-year-old Lori Drew created a fake profile on MySpace, a.k.a, refuse of the Internet, and used it to harass [...]