As a psychology major, I consider that using a uses & gratifications approach to analyze the incredible boom for social media to be ripe with prime examples of narcissism, paranoia, neurosis, and other disorders of the mind. But that all comes from a cynical and morbidly curious mind.
Social media, no doubt, has taken the Internet by storm. Specifically young people are driving these technologies through fads of apps, websites, and other platforms. Social media creators have to be as adaptable as fashion for young people, or risk being tossed out in favor for a new platform with more relative advantage. But beyond the capitalistic wastefulness that goes on the industry side, there is much discourse surrounding the media effects on the users of social media. Does social media facilitate the corruption of young minds by creating space for explicit social hierarchies? Or does social media protect and serve marginalized and niche audiences into supportive and cohesive groups?
The already countless studies based on social media effects still has many more avenues to explore before there is any judgement day for social media. In this case, merely peoples’ experiences can tell the tales.
I believe that social media has been a largely positive influence on my relationships. Based on the most basic principle of cutting the factor of physical distance from my friendships, I have been able to maintain some relationships with greater ease than before. I actually feel less obligated to plan out time for one-to-one communication and feel less pressuring to my own friends for them to make time for me. I appreciate the ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ that allow me to recognize that my friends/family will know what important events are occurring in my life.
A significant positive that is provided by social media is the ability to facilitate the human need of social interaction for those that struggle with debilitating social disorders, autism, or physical impairments that hinder their ability to interact face-to-face. The internet can provide communities of people, whether similar or supportive allies, that can be accessible to people who may not have had the opportunity before the digital age.
I think as of yet it is near impossible to ensure that social media maintains a strictly positive influence for interpersonal communication, but the same can be said for face-to-face interaction as well. There are laws and policies that can limit the material and pervasiveness of social media, but unfortunately it cannot irradiate the negative implications it provides as a whole. I think an appropriate starting step would be to collaborate generations and political affiliations to produce an adequate “Internet Bill of Rights” to help safeguard against some of the most insidious harms of the internet.
austencoles 