Introduction

“Rather than leaving a paper note for them (his roommates) in the kitchen, Ronnie visits their private group page on Facebook”(9). This was an interesting point that stood out to me because Anna had already mentioned that she did not like to use social media such as Facebook for constant interaction but had to because it was for all the things that she is involved with around campus. It could be an interesting way to make a pint that because of the changes in media and society that might not always be the easiest option anymore. I could begin my paper with this thought as well.
“August 2011, 83% of 18–29 year-olds used a social network site” (10). This really isn’t a quote but I find this very interesting. The data is a little out dated by four years and I can only imagine how that’s grown in statistics, probably even by younger and older audiences as well! This may be helpful somewhere in the paper if I ever need to make a reference to the number of friends she has or how easily she is able to message any of her classmates about a group project or school event.

Methods

He reported that he often joined new sites to “claim real estate,” i.e., reserve his username on the site in case it became popular later”(14). I thought this was such an odd thing to do! I have never heard of anyone doing this so I thought I would share it. I don’t think Anna would do this considering her limited use of social media now let alone for a site she doesn’t even know! This was just something very different. Why would you have to ‘claim a name’ if you don’t use it now?
“Ronnie saw himself as different from the average user, and he worked to present himself as such through his social network site use” (14). I think this is interesting as well because I do believe Anna has worked to present herself through her social media without noticing it. She keeps her profile professional and still personal. She keeps it positive and open to all the communities she is apart of. This shows that she has built this over a few years and she plans to continue using it in healthy ways.

Results

“Ronnie sought to provide a contrast to his own status updates both in content and in voice”(27). This was interesting from the Buck article because I never thought to consider her use of smiley faces or explanation marks. This could make a huge difference in how a post is received and how people interpret her messages. This could really change the atmosphere in an online community. 
“…identity is also created through sustained interaction with individuals across multiple platforms”(30). This is a thought that is more of a statement that can support Anna’s case of multiple communities on Facebook and the role she plays in each of them. She is a sorority siter, a friend, a committee member, and a leader. There is multiple platforms in which she is identified with, not one area can fit her description.

Discussion

“So many people just kind of go with what’s on Facebook and trust it. There’s really no basis other than assuming people are honest” (31). This was a quote from Ronnie but Anna and I were briefly able to touch on the subject. I hope that in my interview with her, I will be able to ask some questions that will let me figure out how much she believes is true on Facebook and that she follows. Some of her “friends” aren’t exactly friends at all and when she sees their posts, what does she think?
“Because Ronnie used social network sites to organize different aspects of his life, he was particularly attuned to the different ways in which his information was dispersed and used, and this was a process that he wanted to have control over” (31). I see this same cautious behavior in Anna. The older she gets she becomes more self aware of what she posts, who can see what and who has access to her information. I think this is a very important quality to have in this day and age. This could be a topic we could expand on when interviewing one another.

Conclusion

“Viewing social network sites as part of larger systems of literate activity can be a productive way to trace their influence on individuals’ literate lives” (35). This doesn’t have any impact directly on my observations of Anna but this is a very interesting thought to leave with!

“Viewing this rich literate activity as part of students’ everyday lives will give us a greater understanding of the literacy experiences they bring with them to the classroom” (35). This another great point. Using social media will allow students to come to class with new ideas and new perspectives to share with one another. This will also help them develop new forms of communication and to learn to still be professional through screens.