Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are some of today's leading names in social networking. Many Americans used Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. In fact the number increased from 26%, in 2008 to 74% in 2014. Social networking has been known to have its first start back in 1997, when the first social media website, Six Degrees, enabled users to create profiles and socialize with other users, eventually leading to relationships(Wiley). Social networking is used to interact with other users whether on the upper echelon of a business or simply an interpersonal level. Although, social networks anticipated goal is to allow users to find and relate to other users with similar interests in hope of building further relations, people argue that social networks are destroying true and sincere relationships. However, it is strongly counter argued that social networking should be seen as a way of enhancing authoritative relationships instead of curtailing the relationship.
People incessantly use social networking as an excuse for their own over embellished in a relationship in lieu of taking responsibility themselves. Social networking has the ability to influence relations between individuals, however, it does not have the ability to dictate what goes on in the relationship. Social networking should be seen as a factor that drives relations. For instance, Billy and Jean both use the well- known dating website BlackPeopleMeet.com. Billy sees Jean’s profile picture, and attracted, decided to explore her biography. Billy learns that him and Jean share a variety of interests in common and therefore, wants to further communication with Jean. Eventually, Billy and Jean are now a couple and Billy practices being earnest with Jean. After a couple of months, it bothers Billy, to see that Jean’s relation status is still set to single. Billy, not being a confrontational person, leaves the situation and cuts off communication with Jean. Now, before the oblivious conclusion that “social networking ruined their relationship” is thrown out about this particular circumstance, it is only suitable to first scrutinize the situation as a whole. It is not social network’s defect for Jean not exposing her relationship to the public, and it surely did not control Billy from communicating with Jean. So what really was the cause of complications in the relationship? After all, the online dating social network has accomplished its endeavor; suiting individuals who share similar interests.
A point often addressed in society is the role social networking plays on interaction and socialization. Opponents of social networking affirm that it prevents face-to face communication in relationships and is considered a waste of time, which can be somewhat true, yet, social networking sites also assuages people who are socially isolated or shy to form better relations with people. According to procon.org, social networking sites allow people to improve their relationships and make new friends. When asked, 52% of teens using social media reported that using the sites has helped their relationships with friends and 70% of adult social networking users visit the sites to associate with friends and family, which leads to an increased online communication and strengthens relationships. Also, 88% report that social networks helps them stay in touch with friends they cannot see regularly, 69% report getting to know students at their school better, and 57% make new friends.
Social networking can increase confidence levels. A person who may suffer from isolation or shyness may increase their social skills through social networking. For the majority, social networking allows
people to express themselves freely. People may be afraid to express themselves publicly around
people, however, social networking can be as a personal virtual world, free to express, free to control
who can and can not see your thoughts and how you feel. Not only does social networking contribute
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/positive-impact-social-networking-sites-society-opinion/ to free self expression, but it also helps with spreading personal ideas.
I believe social media serves as a platform for many individuals today. Social media is just what's in right now, because of all this new technology. Envision life without social media, it would be so dull and boring for us as teens. But, I believe it keeps a spark in everyone's life who want to have a little fun, rather than reading books and working all day. Also, as stated, social media is a way for people to stay connected. Whether you're in Charlotte or California, one could stay connected with another through pictures and posts, even if they don't talk everyday. Therefore, I don't believe social media is "too bad" unless it's really consuming ones life of course.
ReplyDeleteI have always been one to try and way the pros and cons of the question at hand. In my opinion, I think social media does more good than evil. It allows people to connect from all different places, can make people informed on issues, can be used to form friendships that may not have been possible without it, and overall serves as entertainment. I do understand critics' point when they bring up the fact that it can limit face-to-face interaction, but the point of social media isn't to be a person's only way to communicate, just a different outlet to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a catch 22. On one hand, I believe social media has taken away the essence of being able to be personable and really interact with people instead of over a screen. But on the other hand, social media is beneficial. It's useful for networking and long-lasting building relationships with people. It's all about perception and the way you perceive it!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to social media, it can go both ways. Social media can be a distraction, but it is also a useful way of communication. Personally, I love social media. I can get through the day without it, but I prefer to use it everyday to get a laugh. There are times where I don't text anyone back or answer anyone's calls, but you can definitely catch me on Twitter or Snapchat. I reply better there anyways. I do hate, though, how much time I waste on social media. There are times where I'll push back sleep for no reason or procrastinate homework just to be on my phone. Social media is a blessing and a curse.
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