My perception of social media is that it’s a way to control the masses. Social networks have become so large that in a sense if you’re not personally using these websites you aren’t considered up to date or “hip”. Yes, I do realize that social media makes information and connecting to people all around the world instant, and super convenient through the use of Smartphones and etc. But have you really ever looked at all the other companies using social media to market their products to you? Telling what you should and shouldn’t buy, and should and shouldn’t like. There isn’t one commercial or advertisement today that doesn’t finish with “like us on Facebook” or “visit our Twitter page”. Not only are these networks spreading the latest trending topics in news and gossip, but anyone and everyone can put in their very own two cents. Yes, it is much easier to set a status thanking a large amount of people for birthday wishes or even answering a few questions via text verses a lengthy phone conversation. However my argument does go both ways. On one hand many people have benefited from social media like Match.com where you can meet potential love interests or even Kijiji were you can sell just about anything! Unfortunately on the other hand people have found ways to use social media negatively, thus “cyber bullying”, which has even caused young teens to take their lives, or that 25% of children have been exposed to pornographic material because of the internet, and 5,000,000 Pedophiles are online at any given time, day and night (Student Safety Tips). With all this information out there not only celebrities, but normal people have had their private information leaked or hacked, and it has destroyed lives and careers. So I guess what we should all ask ourselves is what is the price you’re willing to pay to have the world at your fingertips?
I think you make a really good point about social media having a a negative affect on people in ways like cyber bullying. I feel like if it is being used for good and productive things such as making job connections or staying connected with friends then it can be of positive use. I think you make a good point by asking what price we are willing to pay for social media because it really can be a good thing but it can definitely have negative effects on people.
ReplyDelete