Online Social Networks- Centre Stage and Spotlight to the Over-Share.

We all know the one. The one person we leave in our Facebook or Twitter 'friends' list, purely for entertainment value. Yes, this person is the over- sharer, or also commonly referred to as the 'look at me'. 

(n.a. The angry dome. (2008). Emerging new trend: butt cleavage. http://pinstripebindi.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/emerging-new-trend-butt-cleavage/. Accessed 13 March, 2011) 

                                         

                                       Exhibit A - Physical Over- Share.

                        

We know what topping they had on their morning toast, and every song lyric that reminds them of their current tumultuous love life. But what is it about these online environments that makes these people A. want to share the intimate details of their lives, opening themselves up to the possibility of widespread ridicule, and B. think that we want to hear/ care about the explicit details of their ordain lives?

Granted, if you're Ashton Kutcher musing about how sweet partner Demi Moore looks in her new underwear, then sure, we get the appeal. But if you're neither of these people, or blessed with celebrity status, chances are, no one wants to know!

(n.a. Yow, Yow! (2009) Because sometimes... People just don't want to know. http://itsyowyow.com/2009/06/07/. Accessed 13, March 2011)

Exhibit B -  The Virtual Over- Share

The Donath and Boyd reading highlights the fact that simply, people love to be noticed. And displaying connections to say.. A local sporting celebrity, may be deemed worthy of privacy sacrifice for the attention and predicted praise it may return.

The 'Words Without Sound' (http://visitorqueue.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/the-art-of-oversharing/) blog author visits the possible reasonings for why people share such private details with their online communities. Among possibilities such as drama and sympathy, plain old attention seeking seems to be the consensus.

So perhaps get to know your over-sharing friend. Maybe they're reaching out; Maybe they don't have real- world friendships for which would be a more appropriate ground for sharing. And you never know, the 50 status updates per day could start diminishing...


REFERENCES 


Donath, J. and Boyd, d. (2004). Public displays of connection.   BT Technology Journal , volume 22 (4): 71-82.  Accessed March 13, 2011.


Nikki. (2011). The art of oversharing. http://visitorqueue.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/the-art-of-oversharing/. Accessed March 13, 2011.