Talk:Matt DeMaio
Matt, I really enjoyed reading your post. I identified with a lot of things you pointed out in your post and think you addressed the issues of accurately portraying our "online selves" very well. In a similar way to you, and apparently many people in this class, my Facebook experience has been a rollercoaster. An interesting point you brought up- something I haven't really seen in other posts yet- is your outlook on how things could change from here. Most posts I've read, including my own, run through the history of each respective profile. I like that you took the time to consider how your approach to Facebook could change in the future. It was a unique approach and kept me very interested in your post. That part really showed you put a lot of thought into your post. Other than that, I really enjoyed your writing style and thought the content was very well thought out. Transitions from young facebook-you to old facebook-you were both entertaining and smooth. Overall, this was a very good post.
-Ted Anderson
Matt --
I am intrigued by the way you develop your own perception of Facebook over time. Your characterization of the platform as a niche tool -- for correspondence and "keeping up" and not for mindless attention-absorption -- resonates with me. I always feel guilt and resentment when I slink back to Facebook to reactivate my profile for one reason or another, like it seems you experience when you log on. I have to wonder whether you are not of a more moderate opinion than most when it comes to the pros & cons of Facebook! Most people seem to be rather polarized, either vehemently opposed or without any concern.
Your description of the progression of your Facebook usage from tween-you through to current day you clearly evidences your initial conclusion, " I, undoubtedly for the better, have changed, too." One idea you could have developed more fully was what caused you to eventually groom your avatar's/profile's history, removing "silly" old content. It is not particularly clear what is responsible for your shift in perception when you came to see your younger self as foolish, but I think that rationale could really shed light on who you are today. To that end, the tension between your reaction to your insecurity with respect to like-count and your desire to garner those same likes does provide a wonderful insight into your personality!
Apart from a few very minor mistakes (a few in the first paragraph of "The Beginning of the End"), your writing is stellar! It's engaging, concise, and personable.
Cute puppy!
Best, JD Angerhofer
