So this weekend I've been reading these 2 articles. #1 "Six Myths About Informal Networks- an How to Overcome Them" by Cross, Nohria & Parker. #2 "On Real-World Social Networks vs. Facebook 'Friends'" by Clive Thompson.
So Really, I just couldn't get over the title of the 'Informal.' I did some Googling, like we all do, and these were the words that came out of the the thesaurus for
Informal: unofficial, off the record.
Geezs. I thought I was writing some pretty "official news" about my boyfriend and I creating a relationship on Facebook. Really, I get nothing for that? So I went further.
Unofficial: illegal, unsanctioned.
Now I was really unhappy. What are these people talking about!? Don't they know that more people around the world each day connect with Facebook, Myspace and twitter then telephone calls!
I know it is ridiculous, in fact, I call my friends all the time, they don't answer and then they text me back. I am, the out-dated one in their eyes...
So my question is, if we call these networks "informal", but more people feel comfort in using them everyday, rather then the good 'ol telephone', then isn't our definition of 'informal' wrong? I propose a better term. Call the article, "Six Myths about Connected Networks". Then when someone gets the Google going, they come up with terms like, linked up, attached and join. Words that I just have such a better feeling about. AAAHHHHH
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Leo for 2021
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1 month ago
I never thought to question the word 'informal' when passing by that article. Interesting twist-like your ability to take things a step further and write about your adventure to underestand the word 'informal'. I see what you mean about how people feel more comfortable using Facebook and other social networks to connect with each other. Its kind of like a safe space for everyone to connect with one another. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteConnected...joined, united, linked, bracketed, associated, gathered, assembled....this game is fun. I take your point on this one. It's more about the coming together (through whatever medium) of people than the formality of it. In fact, if the definition of informal is unofficial and off the record, I would propose that Facebook is anything but off the record. Your phone conversation, if your friends decide to answer, is much more informal and off-the-record. I think the key to staying connected (whether personally or professionally) is to use whatever method or tools fit you and the situation best. Great thoughts on these articles to get me thinking!
ReplyDeleteThe semantics of formality are certainly important. I think your concerns are a common misconception, in that because the network is informal the activity happening there is somehow less important. Meeting a person online is by no means less authentic than a physical meeting. Official news, important events, and formal meetings can take place in very informal networks. As more and more formal activity takes place on informal networks it is even more important to understand the distinction.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, I think I'm one of the few that sees my social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn etc) as informal. Give me the telephone any day!
ReplyDelete