Blog Posting #1 Assignment- Perception of Social Media

I strongly believe that social media is not a fad. A fad is “something that is embraced very enthusiastically for a short time, especially by many people” (Encarta Dictionary).  Social media is people using “...digital media for networking, socializing and information gathering.” There is an excellent article on this website, http://copybrighter.com/history-of-social-media, which shares the history of social media. It explains that social media has been around for over 30 years, and began with the telephone. This proves that social media is not a fad, nor is it a huge shift like the Industrial Revolution. Although social media is at times great, I believe it has made huge negative impacts. “Studies found that middle school, high school and college students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period achieved lower grades”( http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/social-kids.aspx) Teens who use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence display more signs of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviours, mania and aggressive tendencies.” (http://www.tgdaily.com/networking-features/57746-is-social-media-good-or-bad-for-kids) “Social networking sites make cyber bullying, a type of bullying that occurs online, easier and more public than bullying through other online activities such as email and instant messaging. A 2009 study found that 17.3% of middle school students have been victims of cyber bullying. Victims often experience a drop in grades, decreased self-esteem and other symptoms of depression.”( http://socialnetworking.procon.org/) There are many other negative impacts social media has created, which is why I don’t think it will be or is a huge shift like the Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, social media is really great; it lets us communicate with loved ones, and friends. It gives us instant revues, opinions, and facts on almost anything you can imagine. “59% of students with access to the Internet report that they use social networking sites to discuss educational topics including career and college planning, and 50% use the sites to talk about school assignments. Some parents and teachers say that using these sites helps students improve their reading, writing, and conflict resolution skills, learn to express themselves more clearly, and meet new and different kinds of students from around the world.” (http://socialnetworking.procon.org/) Social media may become, more and more useful to people, but I also think it will become more and more harmful to people.