Links in Virtual Space Essay -- Internet Web Cyberspace Papers

Links in Virtual Space Imagine a virtual community of more than 2.7 million residents. Individuals are almost always up-to-date on what their friends are up to and often converse with them on a daily basis, even if they live halfway across the world. They often meet others through mutual acquaintances or shared interests and can develop fast friendships. Communication is quick and easy; within minutes, one can publicize an event, engage in a debate, or publish a piece of writing, all without leaving the house. The community is LiveJournal, an online network of individual journals. A new user creates an identity (also known as a username), selects a journal layout and color scheme, and fills the journal with entries just as one would with a paper journal - except these entries are typed, allowing the user to add font styles, hyperlinks, and even graphics. LiveJournal (LJ) users are allowed to submit any number of entries, any time, any length. They will recount recent events, rant about their day, or spill out whatever it is they're thinking at the time - all things typical of a generic paper diary. However, what users may or may not be aware of is the possibility that the versatile online atmosphere of LiveJournal causes them to be less concerned with privacy and to write more for an audience than for themselves. Although each user ultimately determines the purpose of his or her journal, LJ developers immediately push the site's social aspects. Its frequently asked questions section answers the most generic query, "What is LiveJournal?", with the following paragraph: "LiveJournal is not just an online journal; it's an interactive community! You can meet new friends, read and comment in other journals, and interact wi... ...nabox/179565.html. "LiveJournal.com Statistics." LiveJournal. Accessed 4 April 2004. http://www.livejournal.com/stats.bml. "Niel." "I hope this helps." [Weblog comment.] 17 March 2004. "LiveJournal Survey." Lauren LaLonde. LiveJournal. 16 March 2004. http://www.livejournal.com/users/mooinabox/179565.html. "Rhi." "One of my friends†¦" [Weblog comment.] 16 March 2004. "LiveJournal Survey." Lauren LaLonde. LiveJournal. 16 March 2004. http://www.livejournal.com/users/mooinabox/179565.html. "Sarah." "from ann arbor/ypsi group†¦" [Weblog comment.] 17 March 2004. "LiveJournal Survey." Lauren LaLonde. LiveJournal. 16 March 2004. http://www.livejournal.com/users/mooinabox/179565.html. "Shawn." "Came here via†¦" [Weblog comment.] 18 March 2004. "LiveJournal Survey." Lauren LaLonde. LiveJournal. 16 March 2004. http://www.livejournal.com/users/mooinabox/179565.html.