In Herman's article, Production, Consumption, Labour in the Social Media Mode of Communication and Production, he explains the title of his article as, “social media technologies that simultaneously constitute a mode of communication.” He explains that social media is important because of what it symbolizes, as it is a method of production and communication, utilized though different channels. It is now a universal understanding that social media aids in shaping a user’s identity, because of how often it used, and by how many people it is used by. Social media helps us create an identity for ourselves, and really be whoever we choose. Each platform, from Facebook, to Twitter, to Instagram is different, and there are different used that help us shape who we want to be, and how we want to express ourselves to others. Herman says that this is a “commodification of the consumer” and it “impacts that activity and labour of the audience.”
He explains Facebook to be a “mode of making meaning,” and it is essentially “structured to make money.” There are two major characteristics towards social media platforms, which include communication and production, in which are necessary in commodification. These characteristics add value, because the exchange of information is more valuable than money itself. Facebook has advertisements, which are personalized to each user’s profile, based on their interests. These are not meant for a mass audience, like television, where the audience is assumed. The information that Facebook users share helps connect one to products and services of interest. This exemplifies the value of an audience. Herman connects his reading to Adorno and Horkheimer’s culture industry by explaining the “message, means, and agent.” This is part of consumption, because there needs to be information, a platform to display the information, and an audience to receive the information. Without any of these steps, there is no use for this information.
This raises the question: Is Facebook more of a business than a social media platform for one’s entertainment? Can you still enjoy Facebook, knowing that the sole purpose is to use your information for the benefit of their corporation?
Great points! I believe Facebook, like any other social media website or application functions both as a business and as entertainment. I think that Facebook achieves what many social media cites only hope to achieve. This is because they encourage people to have fun on their website and produce their own content by giving them their own platform. Personally I can still enjoy Facebook while knowing they are profiting off my information. All websites and companies have done and continue to do the same. This includes online shopping websites and even this Blogger website we are currently using. I feel that it is a part of the Internet and when using the Internet it is important to be cautious of the idea that almost every website you use will profit off of your information.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I think you make some really great points and do a good job at explaining some of the over arching themes of the readings. Especially how you mentioned the connection Dr. Herman made with Adorno and Horkheimer’s culture industry by explaining the “message, means, and agent.” After reading your post it really got me thinking about the questions you have asked.
ReplyDeleteYour first question " Is Facebook more of a business than a social media platform for one’s entertainment?". My answer to you is that it is the best of both worlds, for us the prosumer it is the ultimate social media platform, which allows for the sharing any form of data we would like, a chatroom, etc. Yet at the end of the day, and as you highlighted it is still a corporation that is trying to capitalize on us, the prosumer. To answer your second question "can you still enjoy Facebook, knowing that the sole purpose is to use your information for the benefit of their corporation?" my answer is yes, it something that we come to terms with while agreeing to use the monopolistic social media interface.
Of course Facebook is a business! I think that Facebook is known to be a very innovative and leading business leaders in this century mainly due to its billions of users across the globe. To be honest, before starting university I was not aware that Facebook utilized my profile and used my information for their benefit, but fast forward to now, I am now content with them exploiting my information, mainly because there is pretty much nothing that I can do. Even Robert Gehl mentioned that after the Spanish Fork Labour Strike, it is highly unlikely Facebook will turn a non-profit organization where no users are exploited. Having said this, I still continue to use Facebook social media because I love the services that they provide. I personally think it outweighs the exploitation of my privacy. I am now able to connect with friends worldwide, face chat them and maintain relationship with families who are located in other side of the world.
ReplyDeleteI think that Facebook is both a business and a form of entertainment for individuals. Facebook profits off of the use and popularity of the social media platform. Whether it be through users information or the advertisements on the site Facebook functions as a business.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I think that Facebook acts as entertainment because it allows users to be connected to the platform, news and all of their Facebook friends. I think that people will enjoy Facebook regardless of capitalistic gains by the platform because of the popularity Facebook has and the convenience it allows individuals for things such as events, photos and staying in contact with family and old friends.