Webupon

It was almost 5 years ago when I was first introduced to MySpace. It was a simple, convenient online community that allowed me to maintain contact with friends across the world. Without it, I was left communicating via hotmail or instant messenger. These services in relation to my generation were as advanced as writing via parchment and ink, or operating Mr. Graham Bell’s sound-powered telephone. We were the product of a new environment, dependent upon technology…and the computer was the sword we lived by. Chat rooms, dating sites, and then MySpace….

MySpace’s social networking site provides for all your online commuting needs. Chat, email, blogging, music…you name it! I was able to glamorize my profile, default my most profound picture, and liberate my online persona along millions of others. Making a new friend was as simple as clicking an “approve” button. My writing could be shared and commented on by friends and other online acquaintances interested. My music was uploaded for all to appreciate and vibe to. If I was weary or disinterested in another member attempting simple conversation, I could easily ban them from my friend’s list. I rarely missed a day checking my profile as me and my friend battled for a higher number in page views than the other; not until a year ago….then it was out as date as instant messenger.

Then like any good thing that comes to a close, a competitor emerges and triumphs over the dead (not literally, as MySpace is still very alive). In this case, it was Facebook. I too, was familiar with this site. It appealed less to me, however, as the interface was more professional and offered meaningless features I refused to utilize. It also allowed users to join groups such as graduating classes, city residents, etc. Like MySpace, I could browse a group of personas and identify them briefly by their personality, physical attributes, and interests. Conversing with a potential friend was once again only a click away.

I maintained accounts on each site; though Facebook was limited until I evidently steered opposite of MySpace fans. Even then I was slow to adopt and adjust to Facebook. Instead, I was hesitant to restore my online status and socially interact with virtual friends and past relationships. At first, each conversation was exciting, but after catching up with old memories everything remained constant and unchanging. It was as if I was reading the same newspaper each day. A month ago, I logged onto my Facebook and noticed I had 15 messages wishing me Happy B-Day; I didn’t respond to any of them….