Many social norms and standards have developed on Facebook. There are standards regarding the pictures one puts up, what is appropriate to write on walls, and each of the groups within Facebook also has their own set of standards to follow. Many of the administrators of Facebook groups, as well as the members of the group, do not want people to leave nasty comments or insult other members. This would be considered a social norm. You are in the group because you have something in common with the other people in it, and you can learn the norms by observing what other people write on the group wall, or the administrator can post a message explaining any rules of the group.
If a group member does not follow the social standards of the group, then administrators have the authority to remove them from the group. The administrators are the Leviathan in this case. They can decide who stays in the group, and issue warnings to those who do not follow the social norms of the group, or they can remove them from the group entirely. This relates to Wallace’s theory about hunting for the Leviathan because members of a Facebook group give up a little bit of their individual freedom to remain a member. For example, if someone says something you do not agree with, you may want to reply with a really mean or nasty comment, but you cannot because you wish to remain in the group. The social standards set on Facebook, paired with the power of the administrators try to ensure order and some level of pleasantness on Facebook groups.
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Hi Anne. I agree with all the social norms you described in the Facebook world. I wanted to add to your discussion about Facebook groups the appointment of officers in Facebook groups. Where do you think that falls in relation to what we have studied in class and what we have read in the Wallace book? Maybe, that relates to the Leviathan?
Another part of Facebook that involves the Leviathan is when you post your own profile picture you have to check the box that promises your picture does not involve nudity. I think if your picture does involve nudity and gets reported you definitely receive some sort of punishment. There is an endless number of social norms and Leviathans on Facebook.
Interesting post. You mentioned social standards being created within a group. How about groups created according to a social norm? For example, there is a "There Are Some Things Guys Should Always Do For Girls. Period." group on Facebook. Do you think the dynamics are different? You mentioned that administratos can remove those who don't follow a social standards of a group. If someone is invited into a group, is that akin to saying that the person is being conformed to the social norms of the group?
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