Blog Social networking

Social media has become and integral part of our society and culture today. Websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have revolutionized the way that people can interact. Today, people use these social media websites to chat, share pictures and videos, and share information. This can lead to the creation of an online culture based on sharing content and talking to people from all around the world. An example of this increased interaction is shown in the form of job hunting from LinkedIn. Employers can search for candidates on the website and choose from a variety of people in a short amount of time. The article Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting shows how easy it can be for an employer to find a candidate. In an anecdote in the article, Alfred LaSpina gets a job offer just by being on the website and having the skills the employer was looking for. With the increased interconnectivity also comes a darker side of social media. The article Antisocial Networking? highlights how "Americans between the ages of 8 and 18 spend on average 7 1/2 hours a day using some sort of electronic device..." Social media provides an easy way for introverted people to interact with others and form meaningful bonds with others. However, all this time spent online does not necessarily have to include positive interactions. As the article later notes, while the "increased amount of texting, instant messaging and online social networking allows children to become more connected and supportive of their friends, the children are also potentially losing the intimacy and emotional give and take of face-to-face interactions."  In addition to the decreased face-to-face meetings, social media also provides a platform for anonymous harassment and bullying. At an age where young people are very impressionable, targeted harassment can lead to significant negative consequences on their personal development and mental health. As time goes on, hopefully with more education and awareness, we can teach the younger generations about online harassment and the potential effect it has on people.


Articles Cited:

Antisocial Networking? by Hilary Stout, New York Times, May 2, 2010, p. ST1. Available at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/fashion/02BEST.html

Social Networking Technology Boosts Job Recruiting by Frank Langfitt, NPR, March 16, 2008. available from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6522523&sc=emaf