I'm sick of online forums being used to boost one's self esteem. I realize that I am writing a blog, which is arguably a major form of e-arrogance, since I am assuming that there are people reading this (and who care). That said, I would like to preface this entry saying that I get it. I understand that we want a platform to talk about ourselves. It is not just because we are all selfish or full of ourselves, it has to do with the greater framework surrounding us. We live in an individualistic society where we are encouraged to better ourselves rather than better the community. There is a myth that our community will benefit if it houses a group of "elite" individuals, however, this is just a naive sentiment. After we educate and procreate, do you really think we ask ourselves, "What can I do to make the world a better place?" We do not. By this point, we are so immersed in our own quests that we continue to focus on how we can make more money, or reach a higher social standing. Once we think have reached the top, we may extend our hand to pull others up, but those people are likely our children as they continue to be a direct reflection of their mothers and/or fathers.
(end aside).
I think I have the biggest issue with Formspring. I mean, I understand how Facebook is useful to "connect" with friends and family, and I understand how Twitter is apparently a great way to network, but I do not see the logic behind using Formspring? Can someone please explain to me why people use it besides the fact that they want to know that other people give a shit about them? Those who use Formspring seem to get off on the fact that people have things to say/questions to ask them, even if they are insulting. It's warped. So far, I have noticed that most people using Formspring have a "questionable past" when it comes to a "scene" that they were/are a part of. It is almost as if they are using Formspring as a means to demonstrate their redemption. The ex-slut, the teen mom, the ex-edge band guitarist, the scene superstar who fell from grace...I could go on. People love knowing that other people give a shit. For many, it is the reason that they wake up and get dressed in the morning.
I know this is going to sound like I read way too much Foucault and Benjamin, but it is as if we are always on display. Society is the stage, and we are the actors. To me, Formspring is a spectacle. It is a low-culture version of theatre. We are directly involved, yet still observing. I think it is in this fact that I find comfort. I get it because I am in it, but I can criticize because I can step back.
So where do we go from here? All signs point to commodification. We are packaging ourselves and sticking on labels that we think will sell. There is an inflation happening, and something has got to give before our careers, our degrees, our style, our culture, our identities becomes completely meaningless.
