Image from: http://www.upsidefranchiseconsulting.com/blog/manage-franchise-locations-with-facebook-places/
“Words are our most powerful weapon” is a saying that is often told and retold and that is because it is absolutely true. As Tuan (1991) states, “Words have the general power to bring to light experiences… and the specific power to call places into being” (p.686). Our choices of words have the power to “make or break” things, people and places and Facebook and its functions are a prime example of this.
When writing statuses, individuals have the options to
include in the status a location or in Facebook terminology to “check-in”. This
in turn informs readers of the individual’s whereabouts or where a certain
event, activity has taken place. What the status is about, the tone and the
language used, has the ability to make this location, this ‘place’ into a place
of significance or not. For example,
when people on my friends list are “checking in” at an airport, the tone of the
status is often an excited one, accompanied by happy emoticons, which show the
significance of the place and its role in what is to come. As Van Luyn
discussed, “Space become place through humans imposing meaning on it.” (2013).
Power comes into play significantly in these situations.
Facebook has wide range of locations available to use however it does not cover
everything. You may be able to “check-in” at James Cook University but not a
specific building or café. Bigger, more popular businesses and places are
included however smaller places are often overlooked. Facebook also has the function of being able to rate places according to your experiences there. Darwell (2013) on InsideFacebook discusses how this function works with regards to being able to rate the place out of five stars and also include a comment for others to read. What people rate these places and what comments they choose to write will have a significant impact as it will influence others and their choices.
Hi Mikayla,
ReplyDeleteYour blog post this week was very interesting. I definitely agree that words are, in fact, our most powerful weapon as they have the ability to ‘make or break’ things, as you said in your post. Tuan (1991) states, “language is a force that all of us use everyday, to build, sustain and destroy.” In saying this, it is obvious that words are a powerful persuasive mechanism, as we often ‘take our friend’s word’ when they either recommend a place, or complain about a place. By being recommended a restaurant, for example, the restaurant becomes more ‘visible’ than others, but when seeing complaints, we often judge based on someone else’s opinion. This is the power of Facebook. Not only are we able to check in, and rate places, we also have the power to write statuses about what we are doing, where we are, and how we feel. We are able to make judgements, and share them with our friends, who may even pass your judgements on. We are empowered by our own words. Your blog made these statements quite clear, and I couldn’t agree more.
I look forward to reading more of your blogs in the next few weeks.
References:
Tuan, Y. (1991). Annals of the Association of American Geographers. Taylor& Francis, LTD. Retrieved from: http://learnjcu.edu.au
Your focus on the power of words in relation to Facebook throughout you blog was very thought-provoking, as you discussed the role language takes in the making of place on Facebook. Facebooks ability construct place by allowing users to use emoticons and the check-in button to create significance, is similar to my chosen social networking site, Instagram. Although presented in a completely different format, Instagram also allows uploaders to check-in, and use emoticons in the comment section. You mentioned the ability to rate place which you have checked into, “the right to speak and be heard” (Tuan 1991) can definitely evoke a sense of power, creating a place where users can express and share their opinions. The power given to Facebook users through commenting, rating, checking-in and uploading can definitely create a sense of place, even if it’s a virtual one.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
References:
Tuan, Y. (1991). Language and the making of place: A narrative-descriptive approach. In annals of the Association of American Geographers, 81(4), 684-696.
Hi Mikayla,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog post very enjoyable and informative to read. I like the way you've referenced this week's readings in relation to words and how they make place.
I think you've done well in relating this reading to the way Facebook creates place and space, especially through things such as giving users the ability to check in and tag the locations of their photos and posts.
I believe that Facebook does empower it's users as “speech is a component of the total force that transforms nature into a human place” (Tuan 1991). The ability to express themselves through many forms of speech on the site is empowering for users and allows them to form their own sense of space very easily.
I look forward to reading your blogs in the next few weeks.
References:
Tuan, Y. (1991). Annals of the Association of American Geographers. Taylor& Francis, LTD. Retrieved from: http://learnjcu.edu.au