Blue Gold: A Closer Look at the Bottled Water Industry

Research Proposal

Introduction

Bottled water’s popularity has grown exponentially in the last three decades. This growth is based on four assumptions that the consumer makes about bottled water: that it’s pure, healthy, convenient, and tastes better than tap water. The first two of these beliefs are false. The last two have cheaper alternatives that are healthier for the environment. How have Americans been persuaded into buying a product that is thousands of times more expensive than what they get, conveniently, from their tap? The answer lies in the marketing. Bottled water companies have cleverly turned Americans away from their taps to “pure” water that is packaged individually for consumption. Looking back at the history of bottled water and its origins it becomes clear that marketing strategies drove consumers away from the logical aspect of the product and into a purchasing frenzy. Perrier was the sparkling water that starting it all by connecting the brand to exclusivity, health, and celebrities. Perrier’s population growth opened the door for other companies to start manufacturing water. After that, America’s heart was sold.

American’s love of bottled water drove companies to reach far and wide to see just how much water consumers would buy. Bottled water was already being shipped in from France, Italy, and all over the states but a company decided to go even farther: Fiji. Looking closer at Fiji water it is clear that what is being shipped does not meet the value of transportation costs. Another company went so far as to simulate the hydrologic cycle in a controlled environment in order to get the purest water. Smartwater is delicious, but a bit ridiculous. American’s are so faithful in their bottled water that they will buy expensive tap water in a bottle, otherwise known as Dasani and Aquafina. All of these companies and more have their own unique ways to market water to consumers so that each product is more than just two hydrogens and an oxygen. The truth is that tap water is no cleaner than bottled and even has stricter regulations through the EPA than bottled has through the FDA. Even if bottled was better for you than tap water, the amount of plastic bottles being discarded is frightening and is damaging our environment. Although some bottles are recycled, one must take into count the oil wasted to get the bottle into the consumer’s hand. America’s bottled water dependence shows how vain American’s are. While one out of 6 people do not have safe drinking water, Americans are wasting resources to drink water that comes out clean and safe from a tap.

Body

"Bottled Water: Better Than the Tap?" U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/2002/402_h2o.html>.

FDA is pro-bottled water and this article assures consumers that bottled water is safe. Site goes through types of sources of bottled water. Article also states that consumers should feel comfortable with the safety of tap water.

"Bottled Water Isn't Healthier Than Tap, Report Reveals." Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0224_060224_bottled_water.html >.

Has good statistics on bottled water and says that it is bad for environment. Article gives statistics on how much plastic is wasted.

"Five Reasons Not to Drink Bottled Water | Lighter Footstep." Lighter Footstep | Living Cheap Is the New Green. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://lighterfootstep.com/2008/05/five-reasons-not-to-drink-bottled-water/>.

Five reasons not to drink bottled water: not a good value, no healthier, garbage, less attention to public systems, and corporatization.

International Bottled Water Association Website . 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.bottledwater.org/>.

Trade association represented bottled water. Companies become members and are subject to unannounced testing once a year.

" Message in a Bottle - Bottled Water - Luxury Water - Mineral Water | Fast Company." FastCompany.com - Where ideas and people meet | Fast Company. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html>.

Lengthy article on many aspects of the bottled water industry published in 2008. Author goes into detail about Fiji water and the pros and cons of having the large factories on the island. There are many useful and motivating statistics based on America’s bottled water use.

Nestle Waters North America . 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.nestle-watersna.com/Menu/AboutUs/Heritage/History+of+Bottled+Water.htm>.

Nestle uses “the history of bottled water” to advertise its product. There is a colorful cartoon outline of the history of bottled water which includes famous people throughout the ages drinking bottled water. These people include Napoleon and Da Vinci.

"NRDC: Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?" NRDC: Natural Resources Defense Council - The Earth's Best Defense. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/bwinx.asp>.

In March 1999 the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) formulated a petition to the FDA and showed them the results of a four-year study of bottled water. They concluded that bottled water is not safer than tap water and found gaps in bottled water regulation. Site includes the test results and marketing problems.

Palmeri, Christopher, and Nanette, Byrnes. "Bottled Waters Lose Their Effervescence." Business week (2009): 12.

Bottled water sales decreased since last year. Possibly due to economy and environment issues.

"Report: Some Bottled Water Not So Pure." WebMD - Better information. Better health. 19 Feb. 2009 < http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20081014/report-some-bottled-water-not-so-pure>.

EWG found pollutants in bottled water that were the same as tap water (not above limit). Bottled water is not as “pure” as they claim.

Conclusion

I am very pleased with my topic mainly because I have such strong opinions on it. It bothers me that we as consumers do not care to look past the product and actually evaluate the worth of our purchase. I do admit that I do buy water bottles when I do not have my own water since that is the healthier alternative to other beverages. Yet the numbers clearly show that Americans are not just buying bottled water on occasion but are living off of it.

Researching this topic has been quite overwhelming. There is endless information about bottled water, especially on the web. It will be difficult for me to focus on the marketing when there is so much information on other parts of the industry such as the quality or the environmental impact. The readers of my proposal seemed interested in the topic and to hear what the sources of various bottled water were. They suggested I focused on the marketing and how we have been fooled into thinking tap water is not safe.

Oral Report

The Addiction of Consumption

Research Proposal

Introduction:

Since the turn of the 20 th century, consumption in America has become a way of life. Having grown up in a culture in which families have always consumed, it does not seem strange to me or to those of my generation. In fact, it is difficult to imagine a place in which our status and our worth are not defined by the house that we own or the car that we drive. I have decided to focus my research on what drives this consumption. There are many different theories that have been put out there, including the “empty self” which we explored more deeply in the classroom, but what drew my attention was the idea of addiction.

Addiction has manifested itself in our current society in more ways than one. Both physical and process (psychological) addictions are present, and more and more businesses have begun to use this to their benefit. Many products now contain chemical substances designed to ‘hook’ the consumer, and even more are now targeting the population in psychological ways. Various tactics, such as advertising, are beginning to influence the consumer society in such a way that it is becoming ‘dependent’ on certain products, habits or ways of life. The idea of an ‘addictive personality’ has now arisen, and is becoming increasingly common. Rehabilitation centers are popping up all over the country and it is now possible to have an addiction to almost anything. Consumer America can’t stop consuming as it is, and with the introduction of advertising and chemical additives we are only doomed to continue in this way. Addiction has become a cornerstone for our now all-consumed consumer society. The ability to manipulate a consumer’s wants and desires through addiction has helped to produce the consumer society that now predominates in America.

Body:

•Becker, Jamie. “Sex, Gambling, Food, Shopping and the Internet – What’s the Problem?” Nov 2008. Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America. 9 May 2009. <http://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm?objectID=3EE689FF-D56F-E6FA-9C3BA2879B78E21C>.

Explores the idea of process addictions – the addiction to certain behaviors such as gambling or sex. Also mentions the idea of social stigmas attached to certain addictions.

•“Caffeine Addiction.” My Addiction – Your Online Addiction and Recovery Resource.” 10 May 2009. <http://www.myaddiction.com/education/articles/caffeine_addiction.html>.

Discusses the fact that many consumers feel that caffeine is not a drug, or that it is safe to consume – explores the social stigma and attitudes that accompany consumption of caffeine, mainly coffee and sodas.

•Feuer, Alan. “Attention, Shopaholics: Your Weakness May Be a Proper Disease.” 27 Jan 2009. Health. The New York Times. 8 May 2009. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/health/28shopping.html >.

Analyzes the American tendency to consume and purchase products. Discusses the ways in which this can evolve into an addiction and how it should be treated as a problem. It is becoming more and more common among our society, even as the depression deepens.

• Gross, Daniel. “Starbucks vs. Its Addicts.” 5 Oct 2004. Business and Finance. Slate Magazine. 10 May 2009. <http://www.slate.com/id/2107807/> .

Discusses the effects of the recession on huge consumer companies such as Starbucks. Because of the consumer dependence on their product (and caffeine), Starbucks is actually able to increase the price of their already over-priced coffee.

•Kirchheimer, Sid. “Workaholism: The ‘Respectable’ Addiction.” Mental Health. WebMD – Better information, Better Health. 7 May 2009. <http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/workaholism>.

Article is about the effects of workaholism and the fact that many people do not even realize that this is a serious addiction. Explores social side to the addiction and also brings to mind the idea of the “empty self” – continuous working to provide money in order to satisfy this “empty self.”

•Moss, Mary. “Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – The Addiction You Never Knew You Had.” 14 Jan 2009. Health - Eyes on the Lies. 9 May 2009. <http://eyesonthelies.com/2009/01/14/monosodium-glutamate-msg-the-addiction-you-never-knew-you-had/ >.

Mainly discusses MSG and the ways in which food producers will incorporate it into food, but also talks about the ways in which these companies try to hide and trick the consumer into believing that a product does not contain this chemical additive.

•Nelson, Bryce. “The Addictive Personality: Common Traits are Found.” Science. 18 Jan. 1983. The New York Times. 9 May 2009.

<http://www.nytimes.com/1983/01/18/science/the-addictive-personality-common-traits-are-found.html?&pagewanted=1>.

Explains the idea of an addictive personality and the types of personalities that are more likely to fall prey to addiction.

•“Plastic Surgery Addicts.” Cosmetic Medicine. 6 Nov 2007. Medical News Today. 9 May 2009. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/87751.php>.

Discusses the addiction to plastic surgery that many consumers seem to experience – talks about the number of people that return for repeat plastic surgery on other parts of their bodies.

Conclusion:

The information that I have found on addiction has been promising up to this point. I have been able to find a great amount of detailed articles and scientific papers on the relationship between addiction and consumerism. As of right now, my topic is a little too broad and I am attempting to focus in upon a certain aspect, although I am not entirely sure yet what that will be. The idea of having an “addictive personality” seems particularly interesting to me and I am almost certain that this is what I will focus upon.

After reading my research proposal, my classmates also suggested that I focus my research a little bit more. I am also going to try to find other various sources – other than websites – to broaden the range of my research. It would be helpful to find some sort of scientific study to further strengthen my ideas.

The Art of Allure: Sex in Advertising

Research Proposal

Introduction:

For my research project I want to examine the use of sex appeal in advertising. I plan on going into the advertising field in the future and I want to know more about one popular aspect of the industry. In specific, I want to divide my research into two parts. In the first part, I want to focus on the history of sex appeal. After giving my Powerpoint presentation, I have a lot of information about past uses of sex appeal, and I want to expand on that information further. I plan to connect past uses of sex appeal to present day. I want to research the demographics of the advertising industry and find out how many advertisements actually employ sex appeal. I think it will be interesting to compare the effects, both economically and cognitively, of sex appeal of the past and present.

In addition, I want to study the psychology behind sexual appeals. My main focus will be what happens in our brain and human nature that attracts us to sex in advertising. In my preliminary research I found the statement “Psychology suggests the model’s sex appeal triggers chemicals in our brains that essentially turn off our moral compass. This is the physiological explanation for our purchases.” It is this idea that I want to explore further.

Overall, I expect to find a lot of information, and narrow down my research as I come across interesting points and information in my research. I look forward to learning more about an industry I am very interested in and making connections to psychological knowledge as well.

Annotated Bibliography:

1. Creswell, J. (2008, June 22). Nothing Sells Like Celebrity - Advertising News - AEF. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://www.aef.com/industry/news/data/2008/8024

This article presents the use of celebrities and the fact that over the last decade, corporate brands have increasingly turned to Hollywood celebrities and musicians to sell their products. Stars showed up in nearly 14 percent of ads last year, according to Millward Brown, a marketing research agency. While that number has more than doubled in the past decade, it is off from a peak of 19 percent in 2004.

2. Heckler, S., Jackson, S., & Reichert, T. (n.d.). The Effects of Sexual Social Marketing Appeals on Cognitive Processing and Persuasion. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://www.jstor.org/pss/4189167

This study builds on previous research to explain how sexual appeals can affect cognitive processing and persuasion for “self-help” social marketing topics. Social marketers are currently using sexual information in public service announcements and material for a variety of causes.

3. Lanis, K., & Covell, K. (n.d.). Images of women in advertisements: Effects on attitudes related to sexual aggression. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://www.springerlink.com/content/q232kw78l15152m6/

While the power of advertisements has long been known, investigations of sociocultural influences on sexual attitudes have been limited primarily to studies of sexually aggressive media. In this study, researchers examined the effects on sexual attitudes of different portrayals of women in advertisements.

4. Lin, C. (n.d.). Uses of Sex Appeals in Prime-Time Television Commercials . Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://www.springerlink.com/content/v7g6345773448811/

 This study examines how sex appeals employed by male and female models were utilized in American television commercials. It centers on the physical characteristics and behavior of models appearing during primetime network programs, including bodily shape, clothing reveals, physical contact, sexiness, attractiveness and physical as well as verbal innuendo.

5. McNair, B. (n.d.). Striptease culture: sex, media and ... - Google Book Search. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JaLEKllB2bEC&oi=fnd&pg=PT5&dq=sex+appeal+in+media&ots=0Do7-DkojD&sig=93zgllcb8DmbLOkd81iOFbQ6tfA

This book focuses on something that McNair defines as the striptease culture. This is the idea that sex is everything to the human nature, and is now popping up in all forms of media. McNair’s main argument is that sex drives almost everything in life, and he gives a lot of evidence to back up his point.

6. Reichert, T. (n.d.). Does Sex In Advertising Work?: Branding Strategy Insider. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com/2008/03/does-sex-in-adv.html

This article considers the statement: “Sex is only used to grab attention.” It argues that these critics should update their thinking because research indicates that sex is used for more than attracting attention. Work with Jacque Lambiase proves that 73%, almost three-quarters, of sexual ads in magazines contained a sex-related brand benefit.

7. Reichert, T., & Lambiase, J. (n.d.). Sex in advertising: perspectives on ... - Google Book Search. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jn_Iq7ILz4EC&oi=fnd&pg=PA11&dq=effects+of+sex+appeal&ots=Dpz5VQGVPx&sig=vUUUzvmvzRBt7LFHRNQ2u0

This book focuses mainly on prior research that has been done on many aspects of sex appeals. It includes research done on sex appeal and the emotions evoked. It also defines what sex in advertising is considered to be, and explains different types of sex appeal.

8. Hoven, M. V. (n.d.). Sex + Controvery = Advertising's Most Powerful Cocktail — Big Think. Retrieved May 11, 2009, from http://bigthink.com/ideas/sex-controvery-advertisings-mostpowerful-cocktail

This article addresses the first part of my research and some psychological aspects behind sex in advertisements. Psychology suggests the model’s sex appeal triggers chemicals in our brains that essentially turn off our moral compass. This is the physiological explanation for our purchases.

Conclusion:

So far I think I have made a good start on my preliminary research. I look forward to doing more research on the topic. I think the most difficult part of the assignment will be narrowing my research as well as finding the very specific information that I want to find. I realize that I may not be able to find numbers and examples for everything I am interested in, but after beginning my research I have realized that there is a lot of information out there.

In addition to what I have found I would like to find more specifics about the advertising industry such as proportions of the different methods used, and the affectivity of these different methods.

Preparing my PowerPoint for class has given me a much better understanding about what I really want to focus on. There are definitely a lot of different directions I could go, but I think that by focusing on the history of sex appeal (as far back as I can trace it), my project will be unique from previous examples. I personally am very interested in the psychological aspects as well, and I think I will be able to tie this information into my presentation with adequate transitions.

Research Proposal:

iPod or iGod?

Introduction:

My research paper is going to discuss the methods that religions, specifically Evangelical Protestantism, has used in order to market their beliefs and teaching to a society of consumers. However, in the process, I intend to bring into question whether these groups are faltering in this process by incorporating mass marketing techniques into their means of evangelizing, but in the process going against their core beliefs. This appears particularly important as many individuals continue to turn to religion as a safe haven from a society consumed with goods, but encounter a paradox as these religious groups have also been permeated by this obsession with consumerism. Has religion become convoluted and commodified? What effect has this had on religion? Can we even call the final product of these groups “religion” or simply a commodified version of what once was?

Annotated Bibliography:

• Brands of Faith By Mara Einstein
• This book discusses the marketing of religion in the commercial age. It addresses the fact that religion has become yet another product to be marketed to consumers. Einstein argues that in order to market successfully these religions have “branded” themselves in the process.
• The Culting of Brands By Douglas Atkin
• In this book Atkin relates consumer loyalty to religious loyalty as he discusses the marketing tactics of consumer products and religious groups in terms of their motivations, desires, and attitudes.
• Consuming Religion: Christian Faith and Practice in a Consumer By Vincent J. Miller
• This book takes a critical stand on the effects of consumerism, specifically on religion. He argues that the commodification of culture has transformed religious belief and practice.
• Public Religions in the Modern World By José Casanova
• Although I have not read through this book in its entirety yet, it appears to present the relationship between religion and modernity as well as the role religion has played and will continue to play in the shaping of the modern world.
• http://thefuturebuzz.com/2008/11/17/marketing-lessons-learn-from-religion/
• This site examines the exceptionally successful marketing tactics used by religions.
• http://www.thepurebed.com/?gclid=CJCi08HY6ZgCFSIgDQodUiTF2w
• http://book22.com/merchant2/
• Both of the links above are married couple’s intimacy store. “For the Christian and the Sexual”. “Sin free”. One of the many examples of marketing religion and belief in a manner that seems paradoxical between religion and religious marketing.

Conclusion:

It is evident to see that religious groups have used the many tactics of the advertising to market their beliefs and communities. Religions, just like many products, now come in many different brands creating a blending of commerce and salvation as well as new realms of market competition. However, in the process of marketing, religion has been unbelievably commodified. The essence of religion has changed drastically due to this convoluted consumer lens.

Although my topic appeared too large at first, I do not foresee any problems now that I have decided to narrow my research to Evangelical Christian marketing. I have actually enjoyed the research quite a bit as I have come across some extremely obscure Christian products and look forward to presenting some of them to the class in my presentation. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or feedback that might help me with my research, paper, presentation, etc.

Title:

Is a Second Life a Second Change?

Introduction

I intend to research the virtual consumer society through the game Second Life in a broader context of other online games. This will help my understanding of the Consumer Society because it will demonstrate the extent to which it has become a pillar in our culture. These games appeal to a desire to live differently, but also enforcing values we hold in our own lives. For the paper, I will need to give a detailed account as to what Second Life is, and how it is both similar and different from traditional computer games. I also wonder if I should give some form of history of video games as we have come to know them, I should not assume that everybody has had an experience over the years.

Bibliography

Immersyve. “ Why do they play: Researchers find that video games can meaningfully satisfy some basic needs in players”. General, Research & White Papers. December 12 2006. 07 November 2008. < http://www.immersyve.com/2006/12/12/why-do-they-play-researchers-find-that-video-games-can-meaningfully-satisfy-some-basic-needs-in-players/>

This article talks about how certain video games appeal to our sense of reality, based on their content.

Olsen, Stephanie. “What Kids Learn in the Virtual World”. CNET News.Com. 15 November 2007. 07 November 2008. <http://news.cnet.com/What-kids-learn-in-virtual-worlds/2009-1043_3-6218763.html?tag=nefd.lede>

This article warns of the potentially dangerous that the online community can bring through norm enforcement, namely consumerism. Kids are heavily impressionable, we need to be aware of what they are learning.

Axon, Samuel. “The Daily Grind: How Should We Fight Addiction?”. Massively. 3 October 2008. 7 November 2008. <http://www.massively.com/2008/10/03/the-daily-grind-how-should-we-fight-addiction/>

This article brings up the issue of addiction and how it relates to MMORPGs. Is it a serious problem like nicotine?

“Computer and Video Game Addiction”. National Institute on Media and the Family. 11 March 2005. 9 November 2008. <http://www.mediafamily.org/facts/facts_gameaddiction.shtml>

This article lays our symptoms and their causes for addiction. Does it follow traditional patterns of addiction? Can we spot addictive behavior?

“Catharsis Theory and Media Effects”. Encyclopedia of Communication and Information. Macmillian Reference USA. 2001-2006. 9 November 2008. <http://www.bookrags.com/research/catharsis-theory-and-media-effects-eci-01/>

This article talks about the therapeutic affects of violence in the media. It relates to media in general.

Pawlik-Kienlen, Laurie. “The Benefits of Video Games: Why We’re Addicted to Gaming (Especially Playstation, X-Box and Wii)”. Child Psychology. 24 January 2007. 9 November 2008. <http://psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/they_psychology_of_gaming>

This article answers the question of addiction and the social benefits of gaming. She puts a positive spin on this subject.

Boss, Shira. “Even in Virtual, World ‘Stuff’ Matters”. New York Times . (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: 9 September 2007.  pg. 3.9. 29 October 2008. <file:///Volumes/NO%20NAME/Research%20Paper/New%20York%20Times%20Second%20Life.htm>

This article talks about consumerism in Second Life and how it governs social forces. It takes at what Second Life is about, how it differs.

Conclusion

So far, the background research is good. I feel like more sources are need from psychological journals and research. More “ingame” experience should be done looking specifically at consumption and fashion trends, as well as the construction of social groups with respect to consumerism.

I wonder how much of a benefit talking about how video games have affected my own family members.

Can’t w8 2 c u l8r:

Technology-Mediated Communication and Interpersonal Relationships

The development of communication technologies brought great societal change in many ways. People could communicate with anyone they wanted in a new way than ever before. Despite the great advantages from being able to communicate faster, it has changed the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Before the internet, people would use the telephone to contact people when they needed to speak with them. Furthermore, before even the telephone was invented, people had face-to-face interactions or sent letters. Now using the phone is a dying trend and people try to communicate in the fastest way possible. This shift has created a new paradox in our society; people desire constant contact with others, but the contact is more impersonal and can lead to feeling more alone.

Since its creation the internet has led to many changes in communication. E-mail was a great way for people to communicate with those who were hard to contact because they were far away or they needed to exchange a large amount of information. However the internet has now become a way for people to build and maintain relationships. Social networking sites, such as Facebook, allow people to socialize and share information about their lives. These sites also allow people to give an up-to-date status about what they are doing at that particular time, post pictures about themselves, and basically share with people who they are. Though Facebook allows people to share information and communicate with friends, studies have found that use of this site correlates with loneliness and low self-esteem.

Cell phones have become a staple in our society today and people often feel lost if they do not have it on them. Though the cell phone was originally created as a way to communicate when you were not near a land line, most people do not even use their phone for this purpose anymore. Phones now have internet capabilities, text messaging, and even GPS tracking. People can check their e-mail and Facebook wherever they are, text messaging has become a new way to hold a conversation rather than dialing the phone, and you can even use your phone to locate where someone is. The increased use of these functions demonstrates the desire to continuously know what people are doing and contributes to a decrease in face-to-face communication.

One of the reasons this topic is so important is because constant contact has become somewhat of an addiction in our society. People need to feel connected to the world around them at all times. Cell phones have become a status symbol and a way to communicate in ways that are different from what their original purpose was. The use of dating sites has brought a whole new meaning to finding an intimate relationship and removes face-to-face communication. Along with that, these sites have turned dating into somewhat of a consumer product by putting a price tag on finding someone special. Social sites, miscommunication due to lack of face-to-face communication, and this new way of dating can have psychological implications.

Annotated Bibliography

Bryant, A.J., Sanders-Jackson, A., & Smallwood, A. (2006). IMing, Text Messaging, and Adolescent Social Networks. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(2), 577-592. Retrieved October 29, 2008, from PsycInfo database.

This article exams adolescents’ use of socially interactive technologies (SITs) and how it relates to offline social networks. The results found that they were not creating more ties with SITs, there is not much overlap between SIT and offline relationships, and those who are socially isolated are less likely to use SITs.

Ellison, N. B., Steinfield, C., & Lampe, C. (2007). The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1143-1168. Retrieved October 29, 2008, from PsycInfo database.

This article discusses the relationship between Facebook use and forming or maintaining social capital. The research found that it can help bridge social connections and might provide greater benefits for those with low self-esteem.

Kim, H., Kim, G., Park, H.W., & Rice, R. (2007). Configurations of relationships in different media: FtF, email, instant messenger, mobile phone, and SMS. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(4), 1183-1207. Retrieved October 29, 2008, from PsycInfo database.

This article is about a web survey in which respondents identified their most recent communication partners, the partner’s social role, and their own employment category for each of the fives types of communication. Analysis on the individual and network-levels compared the different roles each type of communication plays for different relationship roles. Instant messaging, SMS, and mobile phones were distinctive for students.

Mahatanankoon, P., & O’Sullivan, P. (2008). Attitude Toward Mobile Text Messaging: An Expectancy-Based Perspective. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13, 973–992. Retrieved November 2, 2008, from PsychInfo database.

This study looks at the role anxiety and feelings of control play in relation to text messaging. The study found that people are more likely to text if they feel confident about their abilities and feel in control.

McQuillen, J.S. (2003). The Influence of Technology on the Initiation of Interpersonal Relationships. Education, 123(3), 616-623. Retrieved November 7, 2008, from Academic Search Complete database.

This article is about the way that technology, media, and computer-mediated communication impact interpersonal relationships. The study found that these new methods of communication have allowed people to become more self-sufficient and reclusive.

Rutland, J.B., Sheets, T., & Young, T. (2007). Development of a Scale to Measure Problem Use of Short Message Service: The SMS Problem Use Diagnostic Questionnaire. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(6), 841-43. Retrieved November 4, 2008, from PsychInfo database (10.1089/cpb.2007.9943).

This article discussed the need for more research on SMS text messaging and how it can possibly be an addiction. The researchers created a questionnaire that can reliably help predict people’s use of SMS. The study measured pathological and problem use.

Conclusion

I have been able to find a great deal of information about the topic. There are a lot of articles about the way that social networking sites can have a psychological impact on people. I have also found many articles pertaining to the affects on communication processes. The main thing I have left to do with my research is to start going through all the articles and narrowing them down. My focus is the impact on interpersonal relationships so that is what I need to pick out of each of these articles that I have.

Knitting Circles in Cyberspace:
Community Through Consumerism

Introduction:

There is no sense in arguing that today’s is not a consumer society. The extent to which the want-need-fulfillment complex permeates our daily lives is nothing short of staggering. But is this necessarily bad? I am, by no means, suggesting that the so-you’re-not-happy-but-these-people-are-so-here-buy-this-it’ll-make-you-feel-better culture is healthy (or even sustainable over a long period of time) but not all aspects of consuming goods are negative. There are what I believe to be sanctuaries created by consumerism that lessen, if not combat the oft-destructive cycle of desire-purchase-consume and can actually begin to reverse some of the effects of the perpetually “empty self.”

One of these places, and the focus of this paper, is actually a website. More specifically it is focused on a web-based community that is unified around the pastimes of knitting and crocheting. The website, Ravelry.com, boasts well over 180,000 registered users and has a waiting list for site invitations. All this, and the site is still in beta-testing.

And at the center of this community is consumerism. When one partakes in these past times, of course, one requires tools and materials both to knit and crochet (while it is possible and not terribly difficult to make the tools, few people personally raise and process their own fiber) and as the popularity and acceptability of needlework grew, more and more types and varieties of yarns, needles, and hooks began to sprout up. These goods were readily consumed by the devotees of handcrafts who, tired of the same kitchen cottons and acrylics, bought up the expanded selection of goods and, thus, created more demand for more and more specialized, luxury items.

Ravelry was born out of this renaissance of needlecrafts. First as an idea of a single couple, Ravelry is now a huge networking website with the capability of organizing stash (accumulated yarn), projects (both current and queued), and tools. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this website, though, is the fact that it is just as it claims to be: a community.

There are well over 8,000 groups within Ravelry, some of them boasting member counts well into the seven thousand level and each of them have their specific interest set: location; profession; interests; politics; the array of groups is truly staggering. What is true for most, if not all of the groups is that they all have a specific type of dynamic to them-- one that fosters what Emile Durkheim would call solidarity. Ravelry itself fits nicely into Durkheim’s theories on mechanical solidarity (a sort of community that is increasingly rare within today’s complex, convoluted, organically solid world), where the members feel kinship and closeness to one another through the recognition of sameness. Therefore, Ravelry’s charm and appeal for many of its members is the promise of understanding and belonging while feeling more and more alienated IRL. The unifying, mechanical feature that brings so many people together? The consumption of goods.

Sources:

Dunman, Joe. "Solidarity." The Emile Durkheim Archive. 2003. The Emile Durkheim Archive. 10 Nov 2008 <http://durkheim.itgo.com /solidarity.html>.

--A website that has some interesting quotes from and about Durkheim both from the author’s works as well as from one of his more renowned analyzers. Both of which may prove to be useful for parenthetical quotations.

Durkheim, Emile. The Division of Labor in Society. New York: The Free Press, 1984.

--The main theory upon which my paper will be built. I am interested only in Durkheim’s views on solidarity, not on any of the other topics discussed in this text (or only so much as they relate to solidarity).

Forbes, Casey and Jessica. "Ravelry." Ravelry.com. 2007. Ravelry, LLC. 10 Nov 2008 <http://www.ravlery.com>.

--The main site that I am analyzing. All of the research from this site will take place from this starting point. I add this citation simply because portions of the website are more readily available from the homepage than from any other section therein.

Enns, Samantha. "Karma Yarn Swap." Ravelry.com. 2007. Ravlery, LLC. 10 Nov 2008 <http://www.ravelry.com/groups/karma-yarn-swap>.

--The group upon which I will focus my research and am personally a member. My testimonials will be drawn specifically from this group.

Jap, Marla. "Mechanical Solidarity." E-mail to Author.11/10/2008.

-- Personal communication with a member of one of the boards with which I am associated. She agrees with my stance that Ravelry is a true community and makes some interesting points about solidarity.

Jenkins, Henry. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York: New York Univeristy Press, 2006.

--This book proved to be only moderately useful to my chosen topic, but it does bring up some interesting critiques about cyberspace communities and their impact on real world social interactions.

Kollock, Peter, and Marc A. Smith. Communities in Cyberspace. New York: Routledge, 2000.

--A book that discusses the validity of online chatrooms, message boards, etc., as being true communities, worthy of study.

Conclusion:

At present, I am moderately pleased with the progress that I have made. I would like to include personal anecdotes as well as correspondence with members of Ravelry that both validate and contend with my assertion that Ravelry creates Durkheim’s vision of mechanical solidarity. As a member of the website, however, it is my goal to make my bias towards viewing the website as a true community fully transparent and with all due care taken to adequately review user statistics and other member’s experiences before deciding whether or not my thesis is valid.

I would like to look more into Giddens’ thoughts on Durkheim in the future simply because his perspective is much more modern and applicable compared to Durkheim’s 19 th Century situation.

Understanding Society’s Obsession with Automobiles Despite their Consequences

The automobile has unarguably had a huge impact on our society. A trend that largely began in the United States has now consumed the world over. Individuals in places like China and Thailand are clamoring to purchase an automobile as soon as they reach a middle class income level. It is largely a purchase not out of necessity but a desire to show ones prosperity. A car is the ultimate status symbol because it is used to display an individual’s economic success. The status associated with the automobile seems to outweigh the consequences associated with them. Traffic jams, stress and noise pollution are just a few inconveniences associated with cars but more drastic problems exist. Cars cause the most carbon dioxide pollution the world over. With the threat of global warming, driving less and making more environmentally friendly cars seems like an easy solution but most drivers are unwilling to budge. The immediate luxury is seemingly indispensable for many drivers. Today individuals claim automobiles are a necessary evil but surprisingly the automobile industry has created this false necessity. Most would be surprised to learn that the continued success of the automobile is directly related to the automobiles industry’s manipulation of national infrastructure, consumer’s perceptions and governmental policies.

Sources:

1. Hertsgaard, Mark. Earth Odyssey. New York: Broadway Books, 1999.

• Hertsgaard spends a year traveling around the world looking at different environmental threats. Specifically he discusses the environmental consequences associated with the automobile and the destruction of public transportation systems in the United States by car companies in an effort to make Americans more reliant on cars.

1. Englis, Basil. Global and Multinational Advertising. Hillsdale: New Jersey, 1994 .

• This piece looks at cross cultural car advertising in Japan and the United States. One section specifically discusses how cultural values are exploited by car producers through advertisements.

1. Rubenstein, James. Making and Selling Cars: Innovation and Change in the U.S. Automotive Industry. Baltimore: John Hopkins Press, 2001.

• This book discusses the development and constant struggles of the automobile industry. The industry recovers by using new techniques in design, or advertisement in an attempt to regain the consumer’s interest. (Book)

1. Thoms, David. The Motor Car and Popular Culture in the 20th Century. Aldershot: Brookfield, 1998

• Discusses the car as a matter of status and not necessarily convenience. Specifically how the automobile became such a large part of American culture.

1. Caldwell, Courtney. "Cars and People; Relationship Marketing." Road and Travel Magazine. 2007. 13 May 2007 <http://www.roadandtravel.com/company/advertising/relationshipauto.htm>.

• Consumers have strong emotional connections to their cars. Many individuals attempt to buy a car that reflects them or a car that will reflect a certain status level they would like to achieve.

1. The Sales and Competitive Effects of Styling and Advertising Practices in the U.S. Auto Industry
   John E. Kwoka, Jr.
   The Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 75, No. 4 (Nov., 1993), pp. 649-656

http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=00346535(199311)75%3A4%3C649%3ATSACEO%3E2.0.CO%3B2-W#abstract

• This paper researches US car models and the affects of advertising and style change on the products success. Styling has a much larger impact then advertisements.

1. Maddison, David. The True Cost of Road Transport CSERGE: London 1996

• This book examines the true costs of automobile transportation excluding road subsidies and including environmental affects. It also looks at accidents and road time as costs.

1. Rader, James. Penetrating the US Auto Market UMI Research Press: Michigan 1980

• This book discusses German and Japanese marketing strategies in the United States. It looks at correlations between product sales and strategies.

I am fairly satisfied with the research I have done so far. I have some really great books that cover a range of topics including how the automobile industry creates a continual desire for its products, to, the consequences society now faces due to this desire. I would like to include more variety in my research though. I had some trouble finding credible internet sources. I know there is great information out there but I have been finding trouble coming up with key words for the search. I have also noticed a change in television advertising lately that I plan on discussing in my presentation and paper. I noticed a new Saturn commercial that discusses “changing the idea of status” and displays their new hybrid line. This connects perfectly into my topic because I discuss the idea of the car as a status symbol as a main problem. I also noticed an article in the LA Times about a new energy efficient car that will soon be available in the United States. The article feels the car will not be a success because it is very small and US car companies have made unsafe driving conditions due to the sale of much larger cars.

I realized how important this topic is only once I had a classmate take a look at my proposal. I was surprised they crossed out much of my intro and said that cars were not popular the world over and hybrids would soon solve much of the environmental problems. The truth is cars are causing major problems around the world because they are so popular and car companies have stifled the availability of energy efficient cars in America for a variety of reasons. I am actually excited to put the paper together with all the facts and figures and then have them take a look again.

“Gold Farming” and Consumerism in Online Computer Games

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) such as World of Warcraft have become hugely popular, allowing individuals to take the role of a fictional character and interact with other players in a massive virtual world. The games contain virtual currencies and items, which become highly valuable to players in the game. The virtual economies of the game have even spilled over into the real economy, with the advent of “gold farming”. Gold farming is a practice in which players collect in-game currency or gold and sell it for real money through third party vendors. Thousands are employed in China to farm gold, making wages of $200-500 a month.

I am mainly interested in the gold farming phenomenon as a spin-off of the consumer society. It seems consumers have become so enchanted with products that they are now willing to pay real money for virtual items. A whole new “virtual economy” has developed. In analyzing gold farming and the development of virtual economies, I hope to gain a better understanding of consumption patterns and the consumer society. Is paying for a virtual item really any different that paying for a name brand? Or are there different factors contributing to the consumption patterns of online gamers?

References

Bromberger, Jan. "The Social Construction of Virtual Assets." Virtual Economy Research Network (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://virtual-economy.org/bibliography/bromberger_jan/2006/the_soc>.

This paper discuses the social construction of virtual assets in terms of online gaming. Different types of players and game activities are analyzed.

Grimes, Sara M. "Online Multiplayer Games: a Virtual Space for Intellectual Property Debates?" Sage (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://nms.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/8/6/969>.

This article examines the close relationship of labor and leisure in online multiplayer games. It also pays attention to the conflict of intellectual property rights between creator and consumer.

Macinnes, Ian. "Property Rights, Legal Issues, and Business Models in Virtual World Economies." Springer (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://www.springerlink.com/content/525n30733m1607m6/fulltext.pdf>.

This article examines how online communities develop and to what extent they are controlled by their creators. The development of online virtual economies and business models is also examined.

Malaby, Thomas. "Parlaying Value: Capital in and Beyond Virtual Worlds." Sage (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://gac.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/1/2/141>.

The author examines the relationship of capital in material, social, and cultural terms in a virtual world.

Molesworth, Mike, and Janice Denegri-Knott. "Digital Play and the Actualization of the Consumer Imagination." Sage (2007). 14 May 2007 <http://gac.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/2/2/114>.

This article analyzes the application of consumer practices into the virtual sphere. It includes a comparison of the ideal and the actual in terms of virtual worlds.

Steinkuehler, Constance. "The Mangle of Play." Sage (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://gac.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/1/3/199>.

This article examines how the game Lineage has been transformed by the players. She cites the “mangle of play”, incorporating the designers, players, currency farmers, and broader social norms.

Wang, Patricia. "A Marxian Analysis of World of Warcraft: Virtual Gaming Economies Reproducing Capitalistic Structures." https://triciawang.pbwiki.com (2006). 14 May 2007 <http://triciawang.pbwiki.com/f/marxvirtual.pdf>.

The author examines how virtual economies represent capitalistic structures, included alienated labor, commodity fetishism, and the modern labor theory of value.

Conclusion

After receiving feedback from peers, my research proves interesting and directly applicable to the consumer society. I think the hardest part will be narrowing the topic, as there is a relatively large amount of research on virtual economies. Rather than focus on difficult economic analyses of online gaming, I will narrow my research to the “gold farming” phenomenon and how online games develop consumer models. I also want to understand the user side of the experience, including the purchase of virtual items. I will continue researching for a few more sources to help me better narrow my research into the areas discussed.

Research Proposal

The Case Against SUVs

Introduction:

Since the mid-1990’s Sport-Utility Vehicle (SUV) boom, SUV critics have loved to hate the enormous transportation machines. From the Sierra Club to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), concerned Americans have voiced opposition over the sale and use of SUVs. Recently, some people have tried to justify SUVs. In a 2003 article, John Merline writes, “The only problem with these pointed [anti-SUV] barbs is that few of them withstand close scrutiny” (Merline 10). Also in 2003, Jerry Flint compared SUV criticism to the Salem witch-hunts ( Flint 51). However, after close reading of these articles and careful scrutiny of the authors’ arguments, I believe they are wrong. In this paper I will argue against their and others’ specious pro-SUV claims. Though recent changes in the auto manufacturing industry have made SUVs better, these vehicles still:

· emit more harmful pollutants than cars

· kill more people in accidents than cars

· use more natural petroleum than cars

· have become entirely unnecessary and irresponsible for city driving

Annotated Bibliography:  

• Recently, some people have tried to justify SUVs. In a 2003 article, John Merline writes, “The only problem with these pointed [anti-SUV] barbs is that few of them withstand close scrutiny” (Merline 10).
• Also in 2003, Jerry Flint compared SUV criticism to the Salem witch-hunts ( Flint 51).
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “’ On average, SUVs emit 30% more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and 75% more nitrogen oxides than passenger cars’” (Merline 13). These colorless, odorless gases are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels and are the main ingredients in smog. As such, they have many negative affects. When inhaled, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides cause heart and lung disease, asthma, eye irritation, chest pain, cancer, cough, shortness of breath, nausea and headache in both humans and other animals (United States Environmental Protection Agency).
• The smog that SUVs form damages tree and crops and affects animals in the same ways it affects humans. In addition, SUVs emit carbon dioxide, a key element in the weakening of Earth’s ozone layer, which contributes to global warning (Bradsher 247).
• According to a 2003 study 60% of children in rollovers were riding in an SUV compared with 4.4% of children in a non-rollover crash who were riding in cars (Rivara, Cummings and Mock 77). While SUVs do protect their passengers better than cars in collisions with other vehicles, it should be a difficult ethical decision for anyone to buy a vehicle that will protect themself but almost guarantee the death of the other party in a collision.
• The earth has a limited supply of fossil fuels in underground reserves. For hundreds of years humans have depended on the burning of fossil fuels (natural petroleum) for heat and energy. This dependence on natural petroleum exploded with the invention of gas-burning automobiles in the 1920s (Neff 8), and only increased as cars became more popular and powerful. SUVs use more gas than cars, and this poor fuel economy is bad for three reasons.

Conclusion:  

In conclusion, though SUVs are still necessary and practical for people who live in rural areas and often drive on dirt roads, as well as those who enjoy off-roading for sport, they are completely unnecessary and irresponsible for urban use.

Disneyland Paris: What Went Wrong

Walt Disney Company began immediately to search for a site for a fourth park after the success of Tokyo Disneyland, their first theme park outside the United States, which opened on April 15, 1983. The executives believed they learned so much about operating a theme park in another country since Tokyo Disneyland was an instant hit.

To find a site for their fourth theme park, the Walt Disney Co. looked to Europe where Disney films historically have done better than in the United States. The western audience already was familiar with Disney entertainment and merchandise. From 1983 through 1987 the company searched for sites in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Finally the possibilities were narrowed down to Costa del Sol in Spain and Paris in France. Although Spain had the edge due to its climate, France had a larger population and a spectacular transportation network. Thus, Paris was selected to be the site of their fourth theme park.

Although Disney believed they had hit a gold mine by developing Euro Disney, in time they would learn this was not the case. Euro Disneyland’s target of 11 million guests in the first year was barely met, and revenues did not roll in as had been planned. In fact, Euro Disneyland reported a $905 million loss for the fiscal year that ended in September 30,1993 and by December 31, 1993 Euro Disney had amassed cumulative loss of 1.03 billion US dollars.

This paper will look into the reasons why for the first time, Disney seemed to lose its magic when it opened its first park in Europe. Among the problems that will be discussed are their optimistic assumptions, staffing and training, cultural issues, interest rates, and marketing, with more focus on the cultural aspect. The Disneyland Paris case serves as a lesson why it is important to take cultural differences into account when doing business in foreign soil. Though everything American is widely copied and accepted by most of the world, it’s not a guarantee that a culture transplant would be successful.

Altman, Yochanan. “A theme park in a cultural straitjacket: the case of Disneyland Paris,

France.” Managing Leisure 1.1 (1995): 43-56

This article provides an in-depth study on the cultural explanations, as well as cultural interpretations of the different aspects of Disneyland Paris’ decisions on policies and operations, finance and marketing.

Barrier, Michael. Michael Barrier.Com: Exploring the World of Animated Films and

Comic Art. 02 Dec 2004. 07 May 2007

<http://www.michaelbarrier.com/Essays/EuropeanJournal_Paris/europeanjournal_paris.htm>.

This article is about the author’s personal experience, providing comparisons between the US and Paris Disney parks, and knowledgeable comments about what went wrong and its causes.

Edgar Online. Euro Disney SCA Annual and Transition Report Form 20-F Item 4.

28 Mar 2003. 07 May 2007 < http://sec.edgar-

online.com/2003/03/28/0001104659-03-005304/Section5.asp>.

This is a portion of the annual and transition report of Euro Disney SCA filed in March 2003, which provide a detailed business information on the company, from its partners and competition, to its signed agreements, contracts, developments, distribution, land rights, etc.

Fin24.Com. Euro Disney a fiscal black hole. 11 Apr 2007. 07 May 2007 <

http://www.fin24.co.za/articles/companies/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&lvl2=co

mp&ArticleID=1518-1783_2096738>.

This short article recaps Euro Disney financial history and its current financial situation.

FundingUniverse. International Directory of Company Histories. Vol. 58 2004. 7 May

2007 < http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Euro-Disney-SCA-

Company-History.html>.

This article summarizes the history of Euro Disney, from its inception to its current standing, focusing mostly on business and financial information.

Grant, Robert M. “Euro Disney: From Dream to Nightmare, 1987-94.” Cases to

accompany Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 5 th Edition. Ed. Robert M. Grant.

Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005. 279-307.

This article focuses on the different considerations that explained the complex plans and strategies adopted by Disney to create Euro Disney. The development plan, financing, licensing and management structure were explained in details, as well as some of its cultural issues and its effects to the business after opening day.

Lainsbury, Andrew. Once Upon an American Dream: The Story of Euro Disneyland.

Lawrence, Kansas: University Press of Kansas, 2000.

This book offers a comprehensive study on the case of Disneyland Paris, providing all the details often left out on the other articles about its inception, the opening day, and the problems it tackled. It provides a presentation of the French culture and more insight on why the French reacted the way it did to its new theme park.

Snyder, Dan. Euro Disney SCA: Individual Term Paper International Marketing. 30 Apr

• 11 May 2007 < http://www.angelfire.com/alt/dansnyder/InternationalMarketing.PDF>.

A term paper about Euro Disney, presented in international marketing point of view, discussing the relationship between culture and product offering. It gives an insight from a different perspective. It also provides financial and company structure information.

Wikipedia. Disneyland Resort Paris. 09 May 2007. 10 May 2007

< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneyland_Resort_Paris>.

An online encyclopedia providing business and financial information about the theme park, with the most current news and information.

After my initial research, I feel I have collected enough information that would sufficiently cover the focus of my paper, which is to find out where Disney went wrong in its fourth theme park. Most of my citations, though not all are listed here, cover the cultural issues, a subject I would like to highlight more in the paper, as well as the business aspects of its demise. My reader’s response to my rough draft is good overall. My title is understandable, it’s not a broad subject, but maybe it’s too narrow. She wants to know more about what went wrong with Euro Disney, which I take as a good sign since my title already made her curious. My introduction gives her a clear idea of what my topic will be. She wonders though if Disney is going to stay as Disney as they make more Disneyland parks in different countries. As for my citations, she thinks I did very well. It’s a good mixture from different sources and it looks organized. She only recommended that I list them in alphabetical order, which I did for my final rough draft. “Good job! I like your topic”, were her final comments.