Friday, January 05, 2007

Web 2.0 And Narcissism

"Being on YouTube, having a blog, having an iPod, being on MySpace-- all of these things are self-validating, they allow that illusion that is so important to narcissists: that we are the main characters in a movie. Not that we're the best, or the good guys, but the main characters. That everyone around us is supporting cast."

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ewan - The headline is a hyperlink - which takes you to the page from which I took the quotation.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why this quote and link is there. What is your opinion of the article - have you put it there because you agree with the statement?

Bobby said...

Hi Nova. I posted it because it's an interesting point of view. And I posted it without comment because you can make up your own mind and probably don't care much about my opinion.

But since you ask... ;-) I think that there's some truth in it - it's a common criticism of bloggers that we are self-publicists. But there's also a strong urge to share, inform and discuss.

What's your opinion?

Anonymous said...

I think the article exaggerates the point somewhat. I guess that a blog can or sharing your photos on Flickr can have a attention seeking element to it, but so does being an artist, musician, web designer, actor, even teacher or doctor... the truth is as human beings we seek approval and attention for one another, it helps us to feel secure in ourselves, normally this is harmless, but i guess in some personality types it becomes more desperate and exaggerated. I don't think that web 2.0 brings this out in people I think that people who need attention will find a way to get it one whether online or else where

Bobby said...

Good point, Nova, about all forms of writing being a bit narcissistic but I do think that bloggers should be sensitive to their readers and not preach from their blog. The main audience for educational blogs (teachers) are quick to spot immodesty and it tends to get their backs up - and the message gets lost if the style of presentation upsets the reader.

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