Exploring the Text

1. The title “Facebook Friendonomics” is a play on Freakonomics, the title of a best-selling book by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt that looks at the economics of everyday phenomena (see p. 342). Knowing this allusion, explain whether you think this is a good title for Scott Brown’s article.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: The title “Facebook Friendonomics” is a play on Freakonomics, the title of a best-selling book by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt that looks at the economics of everyday phenomena (see p. 342). Knowing this allusion, explain whether you think this is a good title for Scott Brown’s article.
2. What is Brown’s main point? Is he arguing against Facebook and social networks in general? What are the major points of his argument? Do you find one particularly strong or weak? Explain.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: What is Brown’s main point? Is he arguing against Facebook and social networks in general? What are the major points of his argument? Do you find one particularly strong or weak? Explain.
3. Where does Brown address the counterargument? Do you think that he fleshes it out sufficiently or glosses over it?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: Where does Brown address the counterargument? Do you think that he fleshes it out sufficiently or glosses over it?
4. Brown proposes one solution to the problem he defines: “A Facebook app we’ll call the Fade Utility” (para. 6). Is he serious? Does his facetious or sarcastic tone undermine his argument?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: Brown proposes one solution to the problem he defines: “A Facebook app we’ll call the Fade Utility” (para. 6). Is he serious? Does his facetious or sarcastic tone undermine his argument?
5. How does Brown use humor to make his point? Analyze two specific examples. How would you characterize the humor? Is it gentle ribbing, stinging sarcasm, or bitter irony?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: How does Brown use humor to make his point? Analyze two specific examples. How would you characterize the humor? Is it gentle ribbing, stinging sarcasm, or bitter irony?
6. Explain why Brown’s use of humor is appropriate to his subject and his audience, the readers of Wired magazine. Cite specific words and phrases to support your analysis.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: Explain why Brown’s use of humor is appropriate to his subject and his audience, the readers of Wired magazine. Cite specific words and phrases to support your analysis.
7. Explain why you agree or disagree with the following assertion that Brown makes: “Friends are the currency of the socially networked world; therefore, it follows that more equals better. But the more Friends you have, the less they’re worth—and, more to the point, the less human they are. People become mere collectibles . . .” (para. 3).

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 6 - Facebook Friendonomics - Exploring the Text: Explain why you agree or disagree with the following assertion that Brown makes: “Friends are the currency of the socially networked world; therefore, it follows that more equals better. But the more Friends you have, the less they’re worth—and, more to the point, the less human they are. People become mere collectibles . . .” (para. 3).