February 17, 2006
FRIENDSTER AS A TONIC FOR CONSPIRACY-MINDED NUTS
One of the hallmarks of conspiracy theories is the trotting out of supposedly hidden but significant links between certain public figures that connote a web of intrigue. These can seem significant to people who are looking for connections where none exist in actuality.
Friendster is hopefully a psychological antidote to people who like to believe these types of things. The site is basically a networking service that allows people to profile themselves with the added benefit of seeing how closely they're personally related to others. It's also a good example of how stupid most conspiracy theories are.
My Friendster profile shows that I am only one degree of separation from actress Maggie Gyllenhaal--a conspicuously significant close link in conspiracy theories--because I happen to be friends with someone who is her friend from high school (school ties are also prominent in conspiracy theories.) Have I ever met Ms. Gyllenhaal? No. Would she probably even answer an email or accept a Friendster invitation from me, even given our one degree of separation through a mutual friend? No. On paper we seem to be closely linked, but in reality there is no connection whatsoever.
Here's another ridiculous connection. It would not be inconceivable for me to be linked by one degree of separation from The Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti, again through a mutual friend that he went to high school with. This is less ridiculous because I've actually met the man a few times and am friendly with some of his family members, but to say we had any significant connection is so far beyond a stretch it's hard to describe. Double bonus: since his girlfriend is Drew Barrymore, I'm only two degrees of separation from her.
Does this item seem like a vain exercsie in name dropping? Yes, it does! That is what conspiracy theories are. Fanciful theories coupled with meaningless name dropping. I lead a fairly limited life, yet still seem to be closely linked to some famous people. The next time you read about someone who's spent their entire middle-aged life networking with people and some apparent connection to a scandal turns up, take a second and think about what the real significance of that connection is.
Tagged:Posted by Lexiphane at February 17, 2006 12:40 PM
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