I'm pretty technologically inclined. I'm an Apple fan and have been known to sit on my couch with all three devices at a given time--the Macbook on my lap, the iPad to my left and the iPhone on my right. My Macbook and phone get the same amount of attention, while my iPad is mostly just for games, cooking, and as a backup when my boyfriend is using my laptop. Between all of these devices, I sign in to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest a few times everyday for both work and personal uses.
Facebook is the social media platform that I use the most. Over the years, Facebook has done a wonderful job of making the mundane daily activities breaking news ("This is what I had for dinner!"), but has also created a communication pipeline for things that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. As events post to my newsfeed, I have the freedom to scroll through all of them and the flexibility to unsubscribe from those that don't interest me. Unlike watching cable news, I have the ability to prioritize which events are important to me for whatever reason. I don't have to be kept abreast of world conflicts if I choose not to be. I don't have to subject myself to every motivational pep talk that comes from someone who has found this incredible weight loss trick, seen the light, or otherwise bettered themselves while I'm having a bad day and hosting a pity party of one with a pint of Häagen Dazs.
The ease at which drama from bothersome people can be avoided online is fantastic. On the other hand, this ability to prioritize as I see fit has caused me to lose touch with events that may in fact be important. The customizable nature of social media causes users to live in their very own special little bubble; being as attached or detached as they want, and I'm no exception. Rather than choose to better myself and catch up on what's going on in the Middle East or Capitol Hill and how it might affect me, I scroll through updates and pictures of rather petty stuff in comparison and ignore the latest invites to play Candy Crush.
However, the fact of the matter is social media is just don't right influential. It quietly dictates how we spend our time and some of the choices we make. By having a soap box on which to voice our opinions, share our new favorite products, and brag about our new favorite whatever, we are influencing those who choose to listen. On the upside, users are introduced to things they may not have been exposed to on their own, but on the downside, social media is addictive, and it would seem that some people can't make decisions for themselves without involving everyone else is cyber space.
Like it or not, social media is here to stay, so it will be up to users to monitor their usage in conjunction with the life they choose to lead.
Like it or not, social media is here to stay, so it will be up to users to monitor their usage in conjunction with the life they choose to lead.
Hello Allison,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful perspective on Facebook and social media in general. We have the ability to edit and personalize what information is coming to us. This can certainly help to cut back on the digital noise that these feeds can sometimes be cluttered with. I have missed things that I may have been interested in simply for the fact that it wasn't in my personal newsfeed - but the good news is I can always add it. We can easily become addicted to these sites however. They are right at our fingertips and never disappoint at feeding us new things to read about - including what that kid from your 10th grade history class had for dinner after his cross fit workout. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Angel
Allison,
ReplyDeleteGood initial post. I think you do a good job of reflecting upon your own use of social media. I also think you're honest with yourself regarding the things you wish you would do better. And I just want to tell you that using social media as an escape is not inherently bad. All of us use something as an escape. The trick is to try and balance our own need for some peace and quiet with our responsibility as citizens to participate in the public arena.
Good job.