Social networks are becoming more and more of an outlet that our citizens are engaging in. Not only are they recognized universally, but for some they play a vital role in one’s life. These social networks such as Facebook exercise itself through disciplinary power and subsequently act as the new panopticon in the following ways; it monitors and regulates the behavior of individuals as well as it produces relationships. This paper will discuss who this effects, what data exists on the topic, and how relevant it is. Insight will be given on what implications this will have for Canadian society and in return some possible solutions will be offered.
An Article written by by Calvert and Pempeck states in one study, college students reported using Facebook an average of 10 to 30 min daily. Considering Focault’s ideology of power, which in essence relates to the availability in which one provides their time and attention, Facebook, is incredibly powerful. Facebook currently has over 845 million active users with many users visiting the site at least once on a daily basis. Because there is no one physically forcing individuals to visit these social networks much less sign up for them to start with, this is a great example of disciplinary power. For some these social networks act as journals or personal diaries, providing them with a sense of expression, while for others it is a way to reconnect with old friends or family that may have started to become more distant. Whatever the reasoning, all users are unified with a sense of belonging.
As well as controlling the amount of time you spend on the network or who can obtain an account with them, it always controls your behavior. For example one is much more reluctant to deviate from the norm when under scrutiny much like a guard provides with the idea of a panopticon in a prison. Also Upon signing up for things such as