People can ask you anonymous questions, and you get to answer. Some of the questions seem harmless enough : What's your favorite color/type of dog/Super Bowl food? But when you ask a questions, you type it in, so you can pick anything : Who is your favorite friend? What actually happened between you and x? What do you really think of y?
The concept reminds me of the honesty box of Facebook. In fact, if the honest box and the worst features of Live Journal (or poorly done blogs) had a baby, I think it might turn out like this website.
Now that I've offered my harsh opinion, I want to know my readers'. Oh faithful three, what do you think about formspring.me? Fun idea? Dangerous idea? Possible consequences?
I think that it is dangerous, yes, but ultimately at least some of the people who use it will see the way it works. With each generation growing into the internet in a new way, there are consequences to how one behaves on the internet. Personally, starting back in fifth grade I experienced abuse of internet anonymity (on AIM) that can be very hurtful at the time its used...
ReplyDeleteI will never forget the time when my (now) friend, Pete, made a fake screen name as the boy I had a crush on and asked me out, because I denied him when he (pete) had asked me out. I was simultaneously ecstatic and confused that this was happening, so I asked my mom what to do and she said to answer "ask me in person." To which he responded "This is Pete."
So I was hurt, but I realize now that the internet is only has hurtful as I let it be, because not everything that is on there is trustworthy. As people use sites like formspring or facebook or blogs of any type (or juicycampus... how long did that last?), the versatility reveals itself to the user, and as this versatility becomes a danger, it phases out based on the moral stance of those using it (or how they become victimized). Soon enough, the wave of popularity will crash, and people will be glad they left when they did.
We can only hope that people learn and move on before its really destructive.
Forgive the fact that my comment was as long as your entry. :-P
ReplyDeleteI am generally just not a fan of these - if you want real honesty, ask someone in person. Or at least ask their friend. No good can come of this.
ReplyDeleteI would think that this website's potential, like a great many things, will depend on how it is used. If it is used as I believe it is intended, only trusted friends will be asking questions, and a person will answer honestly with little ambiguity. The danger lies in the fact that 1) it is a public forum where strangers or the untrusted may access your answers, and 2) people may use the posted information against you. Additionally, while the answers given may be true when written, nothing says that answers to questions may not change or evolve since the time of the answer. If a reader were to see something that they didn't like, which may or may not be true at the time of their reading, it may cause some interpersonal issues as well. In the end, I would say that it seems like a fun concept if used safely, but presents several opportunities for negative consequences.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger myself, I am aware of the benefits of cybercommunication; however, I am weary of digital communication at large. I appreciate it's speed, but often feel it is "cop-out" communication in the long run. Unfortunately, it is how I am staying in contact with many of my friends.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, in my mind, this site only fuels the "cop-out." If there are issues or ponderings a person would like to discuss, discuss them! Take a page out of ammuto's book and use them as conversation starters.
Like juicy campus and FML, I refuse to actually go to the site. Since I have no one in the house who will be reading the sites outloud, I will be spared tmy frustration with humanity (or least our generation of tech junkies).
You have more comments than "readers," Miss Z.