The Third Place

Applying Oldenburg’s idea of “The Third Place” to myself I found that the internet does not really apply. The Third Place is characterized by having a neutral ground, being level, having conversation as the main activity, being accessible and accommodating, having regulars, being able to keep a low profile, and as acting as a home away from home. In my world only a few of these characteristics exist in regards to the internet.
The only way that I use the internet for fun is when I sign in to my MySpace account. The rest of the time I spend online (which is actually most of the time) is doing research or something else for school. However, as far as MySpace goes, it is accessible and accommodating, it is neutral ground, and I can keep a low profile, but that is about it. Its accessible because I can sign on anywhere because of internet service on my cell phone. It is accommodating because it is free and allows anyone to sign up. It is neutral ground because I can sign on when I want, as often as I want, and I am able to keep a low profile because I can say as much or as little as I want. But that’s it. Its hardly fun for me anymore, other than looking at friends and relatives pictures, and I wouldn’t consider myself a regular.
The idea of “The Third Place” seems more applicable to perhaps my relationship with my boyfriend. I can apply more of the characteristics, it brings me more enjoyment, and he is my home away from home. That is just not something that the internet brings me. I am grateful for it though. It allows access to knowledge, assignments, and contacts for my group projects. I can complete an entire research paper without having to live the confines of my own home, but it is not my fun place. Sorry Oldenburg, your theory does not apply to me.