Social networking websites, a virtual community?

Facebook, mySpace, Bebo and all the rest of them, there is often something innately depressing about using them. Maybe, it's the fact that the majority of people I actually want to keep in contact with I will either speak to on the phone or actually see. It's almost like some kind of virtual marketplace of strangers each trying to outdo one another and creating some crowd like virtual network of friends and acquaintances all exchanging small talk.

is this the modern equivalent of a pen pal? only more instant and trendy, or perhaps just more interesting than the antiquated past time of writing letters and using the postal service! I guess since none of my friends really use computers or have any inclination to join this social networking revolution, it is kind of passing my by and I'm more of a onlooker than a participant.

I guess it's the modern day interpretation of a 'people watcher' :)

Big brother

What is it with young girls these days wanting to be famous. Has it all been like that since the takeoff of actual media outlets or is this modern day obsession an accurate reflection of how fickle and saturated with propaganda society has become. Big brother this year is a saddening conviction of the aspirations of the modern young female. The rules seem to be buy things, advertise yourself, attain superficial high social status and to attain these things by any means necessary.

By no means do these people represent the whole of this category as with anything of this extreme nature but it almost does seem to becoming more and more the status quo.

Young people, don't be brainwashed into thinking you need what some clever advertisers and companies tell you, you need. Think for yourselves, do something worthwhile!