Show Off.

You remember the peacocks in school, the drama students, the high profile jocks and the "In" crowd all vying for attention from the general population? Those not included wished for the dizzying heights of attention but had nothing to offer and no avenue to market themselves, after all we were only 12 years old. Things change and today the plethora of marketing and social avenues available to highlight your personality and mega watt smile gives everyone the chance to stand out.

An adjunct to this profile escalation has been the scope of perception about people who like to stand out, individually and in groups. Back in the school yard if someone thought of you as a show off and a drip you really only had to worry if that got into print in the school newspaper or it affected you getting a new girlfriend, as your circle of friends and influence was small. You could always move schools if the affects were too traumatic or hope that high school would give you a new opportunity to find your true self. Today that circle can easily be global without you thinking about it and perceptions of you quickly spread without you knowing about it.

So it was with interest that I read a recent survey on Facebook by research firm Mytype on perceptions of iPad users. The survey of over 20,000 Facebook users looked into the personality traits, values, demographics and interests that drive differences in opinion about the new wonder tablet.

The survey found owners to be "selfish, elitist and valuing power" and I'm wondering how I feel about that as I type this blog on my iPad? It did also go on to say they were highly educated and sophisticated so I feel somewhat vindicated about my choice of technology. The point being we have absolutely no control over what people do and don't think or say about us as a group member or individual on the net.

In other research Facebook users in general, came in for a drubbing as being self promoting narcissistic show offs who frequently update their profiles to get more friends and gain notoriety. How cool is it to finally be part of the "In" crowd?

So the school yard has gone global and shifted to online and we all get a chance to show off but the downside of negative perceptions that can result from this, don't give us the chance to change schools or hope for high school redemption because the net never forgets, so be careful what you wish for. It may affect more than getting a new girlfriend.