Social Practice

“The Internet has been appropriated by social practice, in all its diversity, although this appropriation does have specific effects on social practice itself”

I don't think anyone could have predicted the massive social influence the internet has had on society in recent years. Although the slow decline and eventual death of 'traditional' social networks is mourned by many, I don't believe it is the devastating blow to society many seem to think it is.

On that note, I don't believe it is a massive leap forward socially speaking either. Virtual space tends to allow for a higher sense of individuality and honesty, but it also allows for complete and utter deception, you can be whoever you choose to be, which some people find disturbing, but it is not so different from the social deception which occurs everyday as we prepare ourselves for how we want to be perceived.

"Besides, I like you better when you start pretending to be the person you want to be rather than pretending to be the person you are." (The Escapist)