The face book suicide article raised some very good points. I do believe that this generation is obsessed with a digital self. Social net working sites like face book need to be seen for what they are, a digital extension of the public gaze. If acknowledged as such then it can be managed responsibly. My generation is quite frankly one of the most mediated generations in human history, the media influences us via adds at school, work, the Internet, billboards on roadsides, tv, radio, on clothing, displayed on the side or areas in sporting events, and even on blimps and tailing airplanes in the sky. What face book and social networking sites do is to provide a channel for this public influence to follow us every ware, in addition to this creates an area for us to participate with the public influence.
For instance on my face book I am a fan of both Pepsi and coke, I have dumb quotes from my favourite shows. And links to websites where you can hear music form my favourite bands. Stop me if this sounds familiar...
Face book users relate to commercial products to build an identity to the public gaze that is ever present in an on-line medium. I think I will not cancel my face book account, personally It can serve as a tool for communication and be a useful way to stay in touch with old friends. Just be sure to remember not to construct an identity on face book that isn't who you are, it is a public arena open to the public gaze but you can always log out when your done. Much like going home at the end of a long day you don't have to live in a under face books public eye 24 hours a day.
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