An addiction to MySpace is fueled by ridiculous curiosity, quest for hot guys and boredom.
By Marly Zimmerman, Contributor
Have you ever missed the biggest party of the year and would die to know what happened there? Have you ever been so bored that you lie in your bed and watch the second hand pass enough times that the hour hand changes? Have you ever found yourself so lonely that you’ve given up all hope of any real relationships?
As irrelevant as these questions may sound to each other, they are all connected by one of the newest worldwide phenomenons: MySpace. MySpace has become a gossip-based system that cures boredom and helps advocate relationships. It is now one of the leading social networks on the Internet.
Tom Anderson, the creator of MySpace, has effectively introduced and escaladed this master piece. Every designer, producer, creator, and manufacturer tries frantically to get just one of their items posted on the site, as it has become the newest source for advertising. Advertisement has expanded greatly considering the millions of addicted MySpace fans. Anyone that has made a MySpace profile can acknowledge their addiction. I am addicted. As soon as I made my personal profile, I became locked in. On a typical day, I find myself sitting in my dorm room, butt glued to the uncomfortable chair, eyes locked on the finger-smudged screen of my Toshiba laptop, desperately trying to guide my mouse to the “X” button. The addiction to MySpace has proliferated due to boredom, seeking new relationships, and nosiness, despite the inevitable, usually appalling, effects.
When I first heard about My-Space, I wasn’t too enthralled. It was new and unappealing to me. But now, two years later, I have found myself in a frenzy over it. I have a lot of down time in my dorm. Usually, I end up eating my entire stock of food when I’m bored, but, when the Twinkies run out, I tend to resort to the Internet, which is usually a bad idea. As a girl, I crave to know the drama around me. MySpace is the principal foundation for new drama. It’s pretty exciting actually, getting the scoop of the latest break-up or party foul. Viewing other’s MySpace profiles is captivating. I usually read through my friends’ profiles and look for new updates. Sometimes though, that even gets boring.
When I’ve really gone mind-numb, I will browse random people that look interesting, especially the good looking guys. One thing leads to another, and I go through numerous profiles, eventually ending with a 72-year-old female named Sheba that lives in Alaska and raises sheep for a living. That’s when I know it’s time to get off MySpace.
But getting off isn’t so easy. I may not be bored anymore, but I sure am intrigued. I tend to just start back at my own profile again and go through the same repetitive cycle until my semi-caffeinated body is so tired that I can’t lift my eyelids anymore.
Why do I stay on MySpace knowing these sickening effects? MySpace is a great way to make friends, hence its logo: “MySpace-a place for friends.” Some people are anti-social or just have a hard time making friends. MySpace offers a way to learn almost everything about another person just by looking at their page: their likes, dislikes, music interests, group of friends, heroes, and mainly, their personality.
MySpace is also useful for searching for similar people that are near your age. MySpace wasn’t necessarily created for dating services but it has become just that, plus much more. Some people meet on MySpace because of similar interests and other giveaways. For example, profiles allow users to identify themselves as “single” or “in a relationship” and then list the reasons their profile exists, ranging from “friends” to “serious relationships.” Ultimately, MySpace allows shy people to reveal their personalities without feeling timid.
Perhaps the biggest magnet that pulls me back to MySpace despite the sickening effects is party pictures. MySpace has a reputation for having the latest party pictures. I am unbelievably nosy and always crave to know everything that I missed, especially at a party. Usually, in the party pictures, you can find people making fools of their intoxicated selves, which is always interesting. I constantly look for new default pictures, as a sign of new albums and fresh drama. Many times, people will load around 100 photos of a party the night before.
I feel as if it my job to analyze and scrutinize the photos. Also, exploring the comments left by others on the photo is necessary to gain a better understanding of exactly what went on at the party. After doing so, I usually find myself prying through the commenter’s page (even if I have never met the person in my life) just to see if I can dig up any straggling details.
My nosiness becomes unhealthy; I notice myself searching through ex-boyfriends’ profiles and looking at their new girlfriend, just to dig up information on her for social purposes. Being nosy is just the first step. Nosiness leads to uncontrollable and unnecessary gossip, and unfortunately, it’s usually demeaning. MySpace is just a new tool instigating and provoking the inevitable destiny of harsh gossip.
MySpace has a remarkable reputation and it continues to thrive, as addicted people, like me, never lose interest. Initially, factors, such as boredom, seeking new friendships, and nosiness provoke interest in MySpace. But then, the information expounded on MySpace grabs your attention, thus producing your addiction. The obsession becomes manifest.