Friendster, Facebook, MySpace? Are they really connecting us?

Hi, I'm back. I'll probably be intensely blogging for the next few days. (You can so tell that I'm like a kid with a new toy)
So, on today's menu, we have Hi5 and Bebo and Flickr for appetizers. As for the main course, your choice of either Friendster, Facebook or MySpace. And dessert, a whole bunch of crappy sites.

I'm sure most of you have at least one account of either one of these so-called social networking websites. Some of you even have a few...ON THE SAME SITE! Oh c'mon, You have 2 or 3 or even 5 friendster accounts full? I bet you only know a handful of them. From my observation, if you have that many 'friends' on your account, you are actually a famous public figure, a model or juz extremely hot...I mean attractive.

So, are these sites actually connecting you to your friends(old schoolmates, colleagues) and are they actually creating new, good, lasting friendships? I mean if you were to actually be connected to all your friends, you would probably need to have a 2 or more different accounts on different sites. Okay, no doubt Malaysia's really wired up through Friendster and Facebook is picking up. So you have a choice. Meet only your friendster friends or only your facebook friends. I'd rather join both and keep in touch with everyone.

I believe to a certain extent that it really helps keep you connected and keep your social status going. Coz now, everyone can see who you are friends with. But face the fact, psychologically, meeting and chatting with people in person does so much more for the emotional side and helps friends bond better. Imagine this, a virtual girlfriend(or boyfriend), you like totally can't even make out...duh...

Okay, there are probably a ton of other reasons these sites are there(here...where?) for us. One I can think of is MySpace being a potential launchpad for potential musicians and stars. Like that gal who sang Bubbly(what's her name again?). She's probably the luckiest Myspace user. Myspace is primarily used by artists(singers not painters) who can't afford to set up a website to connect with their fans. And their hoping to be discovered and make it big. Just like my Aussie cousin and his band. (Hey Craig, I hope you're okay with this ...cheap advertising)
I don't really use MySpace although I have an account.

Friendster and Facebook. Friendster is like an oldtimer compared to FB(Facebook). Facebook is really big in the US. Open the IT section of the newspapers and you're bound to read a news on FB or its creator. (what's his name now...somethin Zucchini-berg?) Gosh, he's an instant millionaire for God's sake. FB is like the new, fresh, hip and happening place on the web. They have these applications which at 1st seems totally interesting and later becomes such a nuisance with all those bloody requests. And here comes dear old Friendster with the 'all-new' Friendster applications. (Which really is the same as FB's stuff) If you've noticed, friendster's full off accounts from the Philipines. Seems rather popular over there.

But I guess its fun to use these site anyway, putting up photos, videos and writing testimonials for all your friends. Even posting 'important' news on the bulletins.

The verdict: Social networking sites does help you stay connected to a certain extent in terms of number of contacts and fun virtual activities, but lack in the emotional and true friendship bonding point of view. (I feel like its the Mythsbusters now)... I would say, its plausible.

And here's a little something for all of you(still haven't found a term to address 'all of you') to laugh about.

The Facebook Song


Take the poll too ya...

Hope to c'ya again soon.