Technology is integrated into society much faster than
research on its side effects. Social media is a very popular, and now
essential, aspect of most people's lives. It allows people to
re-connect with/re-discover family, friends and colleagues. Revolution,
such as the "Arab Spring", definitely are fuelled by and benefit from
social media. Social media applications have several benefits, but people,
especially young people use it recklessly and are oblivious of the consequences.
With the integration of social media into modern society, the
tradition meaning or understanding of relationships, such as friendship, has
changed. There is some research on the effects of social media on relationships
of all sorts. There is evidence that reckless use of social media increases the
chances of divorce. More youth are developing an addiction to the internet
because of social media. They are constantly bombarded with information which
takes over their lives.
Now even employers are using social media to attract
talented employees. They are hoping to adapt to the current trends but they
fail to see that they are contributing to a social problem in western society.
The negative consequences of irresponsibility are numerous.
This CBC documentary, Doc Zone's Facebook
Follies, CBC.ca illustrates the negative consequences of social media.
I believe that media literacy courses in elementary school
must be redefined to incorporate social media into their curriculum. When I was
in elementary school, I found media literacy courses as one of my biggest waste
of time because we were being taught "how to use the internet" or
other trivial skills. Most of us were better than our teachers these the skills
there were teaching. Most parents are unaware of what their children are
involved in so are unable to provide the right education at home. However,
educators such as teachers are well versed in their students habits and are
well equipped to provide the correct education at the correct age.
Social media made significant impact to all of us. As University student, we should be able to identify the messages it's trying to deliver and make reflections on the quality of the information.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteYes social media has impacted us positively and as university students we must be careful. However, what you mention requires a certain sense of maturity and caution. Often young people make mistakes and, by contrast to the previous generations, our mistakes today maybe forgiven but not forgotten.
I have seen young children, 8 year olds even, who use social media often and very recklessly. I am surprised that their parents, even the highly educated ones, are not involved in educating their children on internet safety. If children become accustomed to using social media without consequences from a young age, they will let their guard down while using social media when it matters the most. Our society is accepting social media without research on its consequences and without regulation.
I agree that most media literacy courses in elementary school are a waste of time. I remember mine being useless. Though I do find them important. Especially in today's society where children around the age of 10 are getting laptops and Ipads for Christmas. A lot of them no doubt consider these technologies simply as toys and need to be made aware the consequences of putting their information on the internet for the world to see, whether through pictures or memberships, etc.
ReplyDeleteThough I do find their intentions important.***
ReplyDeleteI agree that their intentions are very important. I would like the school boards to take a proactive role and ensure they are truly educating the students. I believe parents must also take a proactive role in educating their children. Social media is growing rapidly and children have too much access to it. There doesn't seem to be any accountability for user sign up.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of integrating social media in school level courses. Not only that, I think it should become an integral part of the study of human psychology and sociology. It will be interesting how the study of social interaction develops as time goes on. Cool post!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteYour comment on studying it as a part of human behavior and all is quiet ironic, since I am researching it for my project. During my research, I learnt that it has been studied and in depth too. However, whenever a study is posted, the technology is out of date. Regardless, the lessons learned from it are dramatic. For example, where chat rooms were a rage in the early millennium, teens would easily identify themselves. Now, they are slightly smarter. They do, however, endure the long term consequences, such as the inability to socialize or suffer identity crisis.