Lab+5

Lab 5: February 4, 2011

RE: Sherry Turkle 'Alone Together'

Sherry Turkle's novel provokes the true yet somewhat ignored aspects of social media.

Turkle made an interesting point on how we create these social networking websites which function to reshape us in return through a "process of mutual unfolding.' I originally withheld joining facebook (although only for a couple of months) and now I cannot go more than a day without loging in. I have found that my behaviour has conformed to my facebook habits. For instance, I often view a good picture as "facebook profile picture" material, and a witty comment as a potential status update before they enter the online realm.

Turkle challenges us to consider "is this technology serving our human values?" which leads to a question of what are our current values? Social networking sites emphasize the value of communication and social activity. Turkle reminds us that we need to be aware of our uses of such applications, know their limits, and understand what needs should not be met through them. She also mentions the use of these sites to meet a "sense of approval and validation" which does not suggest a healthy use of said applications. The article causes the audience to acknowledge their own use of social networking sites and the aspects and overuse which may be detrimental to our wellbeing.