I think Social Medias has greatly
changed the way that our society as a whole communicates. As technology has
advanced, our society’s use of Social Media has increased as well. Where we
used to write letters or make phone calls, now we can instant message, tweet,
and snapchat someone to get a hold of them. For this assignment I would like to
look at both sides of the argument, because while I believe Social Media can
enhance our ability to communicate, I also believe that if used incorrectly can
be detrimental to our relationships.
In many ways, Social Media has
broadened our ability to communicate with those far away from us, to make
friends and to build relationships. I personally appreciate that I can stay in
contact with individuals from states or even countries away. By simply clicking
of a mouse I can catch up on the last couple months of their life. Very quickly
we can get to know individuals through social medias and build connections on
similar interests. We are able to express encouragement to mere acquaintances
by a simple click of a blue thumbs up button. I can think of several instances
in my life where a friendship first started with a friend request. We are able
to “add” complete strangers and get to know them and build our social circle.
While I personally do not think that is the smartest or safest thing to do, it
is done quite often in our society. There are many pro’s to Social Media when
it is used positively it can be a great asset to the way we connect with
others. We can build ourselves up and build up others if we choose to communicate
positively on Social Medias.
Unfortunately, along with the
increase of Social Media, there has been less face-to-face interaction. Studies
show that this is resulting in less social skills, interpersonal communication
and meaningful relationships. It is evident in today’s society the increase use
of Social Media’s to communicate is leading to drastic changes in the way we
communicate. As we look around us, in class, at the mall, walking down the
street and even during church services, phones are out. People are always
plugged in to their phones and plugged out of the surroundings. I am not an
exception, I recently went a year and a half without any Social Media use, and
when I started back up again I literally felt sucked into it. Social Media use
can be addicting if not monitored properly.
New relationships are built on
those first initial interactions and conversations. With the increase of social
medias, now we can look at someone’s Facebook page and find out every essential
piece of information that we need to know about some one within minutes. At
times severe use of Social Medias can be detrimental to relationships. And have
negative affects on friendships and even family relations as personal things
are taken to the public eye for all to see.
Sources:
http://socialnetworking.procon.org/
http://millennialceo.com/social-media/social-media-changed-communicate/
http://mashable.com/2015/03/28/internet-communication-brandspeak/
Great article! I really enjoyed reading this and enjoyed the links you added in. That picture you posted is so true. I am always getting mad at my family and friends for that exact reason.
ReplyDeleteI like how you discussed both the positive and negative aspects of social media. I really enjoy being able to see what old classmates are doing in life, as well as keep up with family members without always having to contact them. Its convenient!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the way you emphasized the influence social media has on relationships. As you said, studies show a decline in social/interpersonal skills of people who excessively social media. I noticed this decline as I interact with friends and colleagues. I find myself often talking to someone who does not maintain eye contact during a social interaction.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I agree, that one of the best benefits of social media is being able to communicate with people who are far away. I spent an extended amount of time in the Philippines and I am grateful that I can talk to them through Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI like that you not only talked about the positives of social media but also the negatives. I know I'm thankful that we have social media because it allows me to communicate and feel close to my sister who is all the way on the other side of the country just by sending her a Snapchat or a Facebook message. But I also see the problems that it brings up. Not too long ago I remember seeing a little boy fighting for his mothers attention at a fast food restaurant and he was losing to her phone. I also like that you brought up how you can reunite with friends just by clicking an add button, and while I haven't done this I do know friends who add others on facebook without knowing who they are. We are definitly needing to be responsible with all this psower that we call social media. Great post Sam!
ReplyDeleteI like that you not only talked about the positives of social media but also the negatives. I know I'm thankful that we have social media because it allows me to communicate and feel close to my sister who is all the way on the other side of the country just by sending her a Snapchat or a Facebook message. But I also see the problems that it brings up. Not too long ago I remember seeing a little boy fighting for his mothers attention at a fast food restaurant and he was losing to her phone. I also like that you brought up how you can reunite with friends just by clicking an add button, and while I haven't done this I do know friends who add others on facebook without knowing who they are. We are definitly needing to be responsible with all this psower that we call social media. Great post Sam!
ReplyDeleteSam, I loved how you talked about both points of the social media. The good and the bad. You made some very good points. I also loved the picture it added to your post! Good work!
ReplyDelete