INTERNET

Popular Culture 1980-2012: INTERNET

The Internet: “an electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world” (Merriam-Webster, 2012), is a very definitive portion of the popular culture of 1980-2012. Its use has changed the way that we communicate, socialize, engage in receational ativities, perform transactions, monitor our personal information, conduct research, and provide information. It is in itself an Icon of popular culture. We will, however, review three specific areas of the Internet: Social Networking, Online Gaming, and Online Banking.

Social networking is the process of communicating and connecting with other individuals of society.  It is impossible to include a list of all possible social networking sites, however among these are some very well-known and/or popular ones. Xanga, MySpace, Facebook, and twitter are among the sites that are used to connect and communicate with friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances, and even strangers. eHarmony, Plenty of Fish, Christians Mingle, and Black People Meet, social networking sites that allow strangers to connect in an effort to find a mate.

 While not all are, many of these sites are popular icons. Through the use of the internet, social networking sites such as these are associated with the popular belief that we should have access to immediate communication with the world, and the myth that our one true love is out there waiting for us to find them (or looking for us). Despite the stereotyping of the social networking sites that are specifically designed for dating, these sites are becoming very popular.

On-line gaming, the process of engaging in game playing with others through the use of the internet, has also seen a rise in popularity.  The X- Box 360, PlayStation III, WII, and Nintendo DS, are examples of systems used to engage in gaming interactions through the internet. These systems are closely associated with the cult of the celebrity.  The fascination with each of these systems often borders on obsession. There are many stereotypes interconnected to video gamers. Among these is lazy: you can sit comfortably in your own home without any physical requirements. Fat is yet another one: due to the lack of physical activity. The myth of bigger is better is closely associated with the use of the internet and these systems: the newest systems almost always offer the possibility of quicker interactions.
          Individuals in our society seem to be obsessed with racing against the time. They believe that ease and access are a priority to complete their daily tasks. On-line banking, the process of managing a banking account through the use of the internet, provides each of these. The ritual of receiving a paycheck at the end of the pay-period is an example of another expectation of our societal members. The formulas associated with banking are, spending money lowers your available balance while depositing money increases it.

Hopefully these examples have increased your knowledge about the effects of the internet on our popular culture. The use of the internet is a direct result of our cultural beliefs and our societal myths. Our cultural beliefs and societal myths are affected, and sometimes developed, as the internet places the world at our fingertips.
Author: Michele Travis
*Please Refer to ReferenceSection for all references