Abstract:
This thesis examines the user and the limitations placed upon them within when operating within the social networking platform, Facebook. These limitations include the surveillance of peers and Facebook, insufficient means to communicate or interact with fellow users, and the management of visibility by Facebook through algorithms to name a few. Identifying these limitations allows for discussion into how this affects the development of the user, not just online, but offline also. This thesis concludes that the environment fostered by Facebook’s practices allows for no proper advancement for the user on any level, and that at the risk of losing its citizens, Facebook must amend the mechanisms within its construct.
