Viewing American class divisions through Facebook and MySpace

The author of this article indicates that MySpace is used primarily by the less popular kids in high school and kids whose parents didn't go to college. Facebook, started at Harvard in 2004, is seen as being used by college bound students, athletes, the "good" kids. I found it interesting that MySpace was used by the younger enlisted personnel in the armed forces and Facebook is used by officers. This is an interesting observation. My 20 year old daughter saw this article I was reading and asked what is was all about, so we discussed it briefly. Justine does fit the stereotype outlined in this article. She joined Facebook in the summer of 2006 after she got her university email account. At one time she did also have a MySpace page, but has deleted it because her friends didn't hang out there and she claims to like the format and applications of Facebook better. We also talked about the ability to accept/reject friends and the sense of security that brings. I also joined Facebook in Fall of 2006, thinking I could connect with my daughter online. Fortunately, she added me as a friend, as did several of her high school girl friends and her boyfriend. I enjoy Facebook for the networking possibilities, I keep in touch with former student workers and fellow student's/profs at St. Kate's. As with reality, we choose where and who we hang out with and befriend. Online communities may, therefore follow trends in real time. Caution should be used online as you would walking down the street.