http://socialtimes.disqus.com/enTue, 19 May 2009 13:28:22 -0000http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/08/narcissism-best-served-in-12-seconds/#comment-9543225Hey, Rebecca, "like", you stupid fuck. Like, you're a complete vapid cunt if you don't, like, realize how the media affects reality and in turn, promotes change. No shit it's a tool. It's a tool to make you feel inadequate and imperfect. Hopefully, this forces the viewer/reader to change according to the delivered message. This may result in purchasing something such as clothing, makeup, or any other tangible product available, but it may also lead to changes in personality and beliefs to either fit into the designated definition of how you should appear or act, or cause you to act incredibly "different" to prove to everyone how unique and special you are, which, judging by your post, certainly does not pertain to you. Either way, however you're affected by the media, including the bullshit twitter, myspace, etc. it's a way to boost your ego, and it allows for some sort of justification for being the way you are. It's validity in a society where self-assuredness is nonexistent and confidence is the most neglected character trait around. I'll agree with you on one point, though. At least, I think I will. Your second sentence, which is barely readable, sheds some truth on networks like 12 Seconds and facebook. It IS comforting for people to look at themselves, become the center of attention, and receive comments on how generally appealing/interesting/incredible they are. As I said, it boosts that person's ego. Not that it's wrong, but I think it also breeds a society that cannot cope with reality. We increasingly isolate ourselves in a digital world that is constantly providing instant gratification and is always fueling our neverending desire for acceptance. In reality, we do not receive this at the exponentially-increasing rate that we would in this virtual world we've surrounded ourselves by, and so living on a day-to-day basis sans the ass-kissing we require to feel good about who we are becomes difficult and it causes people to feel like they're missing something in their lives - like they're lacking fulfillment. This feeling makes us prime targets for MORE advertising, as we've fallen victim to our hollow wants that were basically composed on a faulty foundation to begin with. These wants are not real. They have been created to keep the capitalist society flourishing, and the ultimate people who benefit are the people who make you feel like you're worthless in the first place.LizTue, 19 May 2009 13:28:22 -0000http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/08/narcissism-best-served-in-12-seconds/#comment-1803692enough about your social media experiences nick. lets talk about me....Peter CorbettSun, 24 Aug 2008 16:33:28 -0000http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/08/narcissism-best-served-in-12-seconds/#comment-1732138Narcissism is not bad inherently. The reason things like Twitter and 12 Seconds (the video twitter) work so well is because people can recognize themselves in another and this is comforting to human sanity. <br><br>I don't believe that social media creates change, it is simply a tool, but what it does do is bring empathy and respect into the public arena. Like, I completely disagree with your post, but I've been exhausted too standing in line at Chipotle, so maybe I can see where you're coming from.RebeccaFri, 22 Aug 2008 11:26:09 -0000http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/08/narcissism-best-served-in-12-seconds/#comment-1729396Nick, <br>Great point! Keep up the work on your blogs it enlightens my company!Chris ApplegateFri, 22 Aug 2008 05:34:53 -0000http://www.socialtimes.com/2008/08/narcissism-best-served-in-12-seconds/#comment-1723044A tweet about how good or bad your Chipotle burrito tasted is useful social info (personal recommendation). Your current energy level is not. Before you tweet, ask yourself about its usefulness or interesting-ness.TweetSmartThu, 21 Aug 2008 15:27:09 -0000