The Age ?of Friending

Modern pop culture is so entwined with technology that it is getting harder and harder to find the line between the two. Everyday I’m amazed at the language and new words being used by younger generations. I remember reading an article last year when the New Oxford American Dictionary announced its word of the year, a verb everyone in the social networking world knows: unfriend—to remove yourself as someone’s “friend” on social networks such as Facebook or MySpace.

More internet-inspired terms are probably going to work their way into our vocabulary and no doubt earn more word-of-the-year honors. Over the past two years I’ve learned many new words from co-workers, such as hashtag—a “#” sign added to a word or phrase that enables Twitter users to search for “tweets,” or posts on Twitter, that contain similarly tagged comments.

Another new one is paywall—a way of blocking access to a part of a website that is only available to paying subscribers. Turns out there are a number of words that my spell checker doesn’t recognize, and frankly, that has me on red alert as I try to stay on top of new words being added to our language daily because of changes in technology and communication. Do you know what they mean?

clickjacking—the technique of concealing an undesirable website link behind a legitimate one.

scareware—unethical software that claims to detect computer viruses and then urges the user to purchase fake virus protection.

intexticated—distracted while driving because of texting (and in Louisiana, this is against the law).

zombie computers—computers that have been taken over by a hacker or virus, often without the owner’s knowledge.

Tweetup— a meeting or other gathering organized by means of posts on Twitter.

freemium—a business model in which some basic Internet services are provided for free with the aim of enticing users to pay for additional premium features or content.

The lexicon of technology and social media continues to grow, but not as fast as the social phenomenon of Facebook, which is the subject of this month’s cover story. Facebook, which was created by a college kid named Mark Zuckerberg and his friends, now has more than 500 million active users—and it’s still growing! Quantcast estimates that Facebook has more than 135.1 million unique U.S. visitors per month, and according to Social Media Today, it is estimated that almost 42% of the U.S. population has a Facebook account.

These eye-popping statistics and incessant Facebook references got our editorial team thinking about how Facebook is affecting and changing daily life here in Baton Rouge. We talked to regular Facebook users, from social mavens to professionals who harness social media’s power for commercial purposes. Check out Jeff Roedel’s informative report beginning on page 43, but don’t stop there. Sign up to be our Facebook friend and stay up with the latest news, offers and ways to participate in our 225 community.

Tomorrow’s designers

Thanks to LSU’s cutting-edge apparel merchandising program and an explosion of boutiques and jewelry stores, Baton Rouge is home to a healthy and growing young crop of up-and-coming designers. These energetic, imaginative young professionals are creating new clothing and jewelry looks and bringing West Coast trends to Baton Rouge even as they start their own. Check out Jeanne McCollister’s report in this issue.

Making an impact

Sevetri Wilson is going places. When NBA basketball player and former LSU Tiger Tyrus Thomas created a nonprofit foundation to help inner-city youths, he brought in Wilson to organize and grow the programs, which are making a difference in Baton Rouge. Now Wilson is branching out to do even more philanthropic organizing. Read contributing writer Daryl Moore’s story about Wilson’s next move in this month’s Signature profile.

Two great causes

Jump Start Your Heart is an organization of local professionals on a mission to prevent sudden death in young athletes due to cardiovascular abnormalities. The group strives to improve the quality of life of competitive athletes from elementary school to college by identifying cardiovascular issues and detecting heart defects common in sudden deaths of young athletes. You can help by attending Jump Start Your Heart’s annual Valentine Gala Feb. 12, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Lod Cook Conference Center. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information visit jumpstartyourheart.org.

And on Sunday, Feb. 20, supporting the arts gains a taste of the exotic when Hello Sushi Chef Peter Nguyen prepares an evening of fine cuisine according to the Japanese tradition of Nyotaimori (body sushi), with proceeds benefiting the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Guests are invited to watch these unusual creations being made and to partake of the special menu items from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hello Sushi’s Highland Road restaurant. Tickets are $35, or $60 for couples. You can purchase tickets online at artsbr.org.