Media Deconstruction (March)

For this month the media that seemed to be the most consistent with me was the social network Facebook.  I'm pretty sure that everyone has a Facebook, and for me it is a way to keep close with my family members and friends. 

The website for Facebook is www.facebook.com

1) Who paid for it?
The company that runs Facebook is called Facebook Ireland Limited.
2) What group is targeted by the ad?
There are many groups that are targeted.  Some, like me, use Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends, others use it to advertise their own companies, and others use it to help people.
3) What techniques of persuasion are used?
The tools of persuasion are Association, Bandwagon, and Warm and Fuzzy.
4) Is it closer to fantasy or reality?
I think Facebook is closer to reality because all the friends I have are real.  They comment on my posts giving me advice and ask how I am doing.  But there are some things that are out there that are fake.  Companies use Facebook to sell their products also. 
5) In what ways does this depict a lifestyle that is healthy and unhealthy?
I think the healthy part about Facebook is keeping in touch with the people you know.  If you are feeling down, people say many things to keep your head up and just try to make you feel better.  The one bad thing I think about Facebook is sometimes people use it to "Gossip."  They talk about other people and it is one thing that I don't like about it.
6) What kind of culture does the example create?
It creates many types of cultures.  There are groups that bring old and young people together, I created a page called "Alaskan Weight Watchers" so that people who are trying to be healthy can give each other encouragement to keep going.  I really like it because its the people you know that are giving you advice rather than someone you don't know and wouldn't take them seriously.

I like Facebook because it helps me know what is going on in my friends and families life, and they get to know what is going on with mine.  There are groups that you can join whether it be to help you lose weight, the sports you play in, or in the area you live to know what's going on in the community.  Companies and people use it as advertising.  Its a good way to get the word out and let people know about anything.