Facebook: The New BFF?

I thought the topics that Daniel Miller’s the Tales of Facebook discussed were very interesting and relatable. Miller refers to Facebook as a “meta-friend.” Similar to a best friend, Facebook is always available to users 24/7 and serves as a great listener or something users can vent their problems to--and can always feel connected to others. I think this is an accurate analysis of the way many people view their relationship with Facebook. I know personally know people who are constantly on Facebook and literally can’t go a day without checking their Facebook, updating their statuses/pictures, or all of the above. It’s almost as if Facebook has become some people’s top priority and most important relationship that needs constant maintenance. Miller points out that these Facebook features may help people feel less depressed and has even stopped people from committing suicide. However, Miller argues that this type of relationship with Facebook can have negative impacts as well. Miller states that Facebook has been held responsible for fueling jealously, causing people to commit heinous acts. This type of jealously is now spilling over to another social networking site: Twitter. People are becoming envious when reading about others weekend plans or special events they’re attending. However, I wonder whether people always had a sense of jealousy when learning about events they missed out on, but simply hid it. Or maybe they were subconsciously jealous and now with the instant communication their subconscious thoughts may have surfaced.
That brings me to another point made by Miller: Facebook changes our relationship to space. Miller states that Facebook constantly updates the current state of people. Many Facebook users openly share their moods, plans for the day, their likes/dislikes, and other personal information. There is no longer a need for a mediator between long distance friends or friends who haven’t spoken in awhile or all day. Miller also states that Facebook reconnects people from the past. This closes the distance gap between old friends from childhood or high school that people may have lost touch with over the years. Facebook users now have access to personal information of their former friends. However, Miller argues that reconnecting with old friends may cause users to become more focused on their past relationships rather than their present relationships. I disagree with this statement because I feel people remain focused on both their current and previous relationships. I could maybe see people becoming too involved with Facebook and only communicating and servicing their friendships online. I feel that people are used to multi-tasking and enjoy juggling several different types of relationships.