Rawan Khatib - With Friends Like These (Summary & Reflection)

Summary

Tom Hodgkinson's article "with friends like these" is a commentary on Facebook and its advantages and disadvantages. the article lists many disadvantages but little or none advantages except some that could be considered to be a bit superficial. For example Hodgkinson believes that Facebook has become the reason people have become disconnected rather connected. However Facebook has become a large part of our social life and we evaluate everything even people throughout that lens. For example now in American high-schools if we wish to see someone's "popularity" status we simply switch on the computer and see the number of Facebook friends.  It has become a contest between the idea of "quality vs. quantity".  He continues on to say that not only are we being disconnected from our societies and are becoming "chained to our workplace" but we can also create a second personality for ourselves thus losing touch with reality. On Facebook you can re-create yourself to be anyone you wish to be. 

Reflection

While reading this article i suppose i could relate to the Hodgkinson's idea that Facebook might not be the best social media to become attached to; however what struck me the most while reading the article was the fact that the author seemed to disdain Facebook and not only for the reasons mentioned in the article above but as well for personal reasons. For example when he spoke of the board of directors for Facebook he spoke with a high level of hostility and disdain specifically when he referred to one particular member, Thiel. He spoke of Thiel's personal spending habits which carries little significance to the article other than to prove that the board is in it for the money.  Another issue that struck me while reading this article was the fact that the author although having sufficient reasons to dislike Facebook looks past the benefits.  Such as the fact that Facebook can connect to those who we have lost touch with for years with a simple click of the mouse. Even thought it helps other to create a second personality although this might be damaging in some cases it can also help those who are shy experience it at least in a virtual reality before trying it in the real world.  For example speaking from a personal experience, thanks to Facebook I have been able to contact various employers in regards to different part time jobs and internships. As well employers have been able to view and comment on my personal past video's and commentaries. So although Facebook might have a negative connotation it can however also have a positive one. It depends on the user to realize the limits of Facebook and use it wisely. 

Citation
Hodgkinson, T. (2008, January 14). With friends like these [Article History].
Retrieved from The Guardian website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/
2008/jan/14/facebook