Shah, Swara

Santosh Khadka
English 113B
March 13, 2016

What Is Considered a Third Space?

Third space- What is a Third space? Third space is the social surrounding separate from
the two usual social environments of home (first space) and the workplace (Second place). A
space that is generally open and accessible to people. What it really means is that any place that
gives you the same sense as a home or work space does. YouTube and the Library are considered
third spaces because you can relax, express yourself and have a comfortable setting all at the
same time.
Recently, I read in an article called Muslim Women, YouTube, and Third space written
by Dr. Naik. That YouTube offers such a space as an informal meeting place to create
community and to express new identities. This doesnt necessarily have to apply to Muslim
women, but to people in general meaning you can express yourself through the use of YouTube
in whatever fields you are interested in and would like others to know about. It can draw your
attention to something different which can make you feel happy about yourself. As Dr. Naik, said
for example, people are contributing to videography to express their personal creativity and
observations also, their and their issues that they face in their daily lives. Basically making
videos and expressing their life makes them alleviate their stress. But I disagree with Dr. Naik on
how YouTube can show the difficulties that you face in life. I believe its only for entertainment
and to lighten up your mood after a busy day. Other things that he mentions in his article I agree
with it because through the use of YouTube you can express your personality and etc.

I interviewed my friend Kathy who agrees, that YouTube is a third space for her. Why?
Because during the interview she said that she spends most of her time on YouTube for two
reasons. First of all, it is easily accessible so that you can use it anywhere at anytime you desire
to. Secondly, she said it changes her mood when she is stressed out by purely listening to her
favorite songs. Mainly, it makes her feel relaxed and peaceful at the same time. Which is why
she said, during the interview that YouTube is a Third space for her. She also, said that she listens
to the music determined on her mood which is why it makes her feel energetic after a hectic day.

this picture shows that YouTube is easily accessible to one and all. Also, Individuals
can watch anything they are interested in.
However, YouTube was not the only third space mentioned, the library is a third space as
well. Folks in library can enjoy themselves by listening to their favorite songs and at same time
can have a cup of coffee which can simply refresh themselves. You can socialize with people and
can enjoy your leisure time. However, there are people that would disagree with the library being
a third space. An example of someone is my friend Leslie, whom I interviewed to see what her
opinion was. She said that the library is not a third space because there arent that many things a
person can do at the library. That all you can do is study for any assignments or search things on
the internet in order to pass time, which is not a third space in her opinion, which can be clearly
be seen. But I disagree with her because I think that you can do various things at the library such
as, taking a power nap and relaxing. Along with watching things on the net or socialize with your
friends.

As stated, in an article library is free, welcoming, and comfortable so basically, people sense the
same atmosphere as they would in their home or workplaces. The most important thing you can
do is meet your new or old friends at the same place.

This picture indicates that in libraries

people can socialize with each other and
do their work at the same time.
Moreover, I went to the library to observe peoples activities to see if I should consider
library a third space or not. When I went there I saw people playing games on the net and
listening to music at the same time, others were comfortably socializing with their friends over a
cup of coffee. Many people were studying, eating, and simply laying on the couch and watching
people pass by. So as per my observations, people were tension free and enjoying themselves at
the library. As said in an article, all societies need places that allow informal interaction without
requiring it places. I believe that library is an open area which is out for everyone for their
personal work. Also that library Is welcoming and comfortable, encouraging people to stay I
personally agree with this because I feel the same environment when I go to libraries near me.
Although, library and YouTube are not the only third spaces to other people there are
many. For instance, in restaurants people interact with each other and feel more like a comfort
zone thats why many people usually meet in restaurants after a busy day to spend some time

with their family or friends and enjoy the food as they would in other places. Also, not just eat
and spend time but many individuals study quietly and seem more comfortable than other places.
As said in an article, by Creakman, Rick that many teen and college students study in restaurants
as he mentioned Spread out their books and bring laptops I agree with Creekman because
I sometimes spend my time in restaurants and do my work and see people passing by. He also
said, Its comfortable enough that I have seen student study...
Like I said there are many other places than people believe as a third space. Its jut what you
prefer and think. Overall, I think that library and YouTube is a third space in their own way. As
we see that many people agree others disagrees its just what you think is more comfortable for
you.

Work Cited
Sayed, Deonna Kelli. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/mmw/2013/02/muslim-women-youtubeand-third-space/ 13 February 2013. Print.
Annoyed Librarian. http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/2014/02/17/the-libraryas-third-place/ 17 February 2014. Print.
Creakman, Rick. Teen Space Picks Library journal. Web.
http://web.b.ebscohost.com.libproxy.csun.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=7&sid=c37f42f2-075c499c-b51f8506ca4723f%40sessionmgr113&hid=118&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d
%3d#db=aph&AN=32079581. 6 April 2016. Print.
Studying Friends Socializing and together in library. Web. https://www.google.com/search?
q=www.bigstock.com.99680612&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0
ahUKEwiAhITsuPvLAhVR8GMKHU4JDWsQ_AUIBygB&biw=1280&bih=654. Print.
The library as Third Place. Web. Lowa library services. http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/cd/continuing-ed/townmtgs/twnmeet2011/2011handouts/thirdplacehandout Print.