Social Media Suspicions

As a freelance researcher, I spent the past year and a half researching the dangers of social media. Each new book I read, or journal article I stumbled across would cause me to quiver. I was not born into the age of social media (Thank God!), but by the time I was in my late years of middle school, I was avoiding homework and studying by "chatting" with my friends on AOL instant messenger. At that time, this seemed to be the coolest thing, and little did I know that a whole new world of communication was about to open up.

I do not hate new media, I understand its good points. As one of thirty grandchildren, Facebook helps all of us keep up with one another, who just got engaged, who just graduated, or who is having a baby. But, nothing bothers me more than the people who constantly post, "I got a new toothbrush!" to "Headed on vacation next week, won't be back until Sunday". And then they wonder why someone broke into their home (true story, happened to our neighbors).

As a news junkie, I love that the news is updated almost every two minutes. I could live off of Google's news page. But on the flip side, what is so wrong with not being boggled down with the happenings of the world until we get off to sit and watch Brian Williams go through the days top headlines?

While I log on to Facebook to get caught up for the day, or I pin all these recipes on Pinterest that may never get made, I do have my problems with how new media is shaping our lives. Facebook says that it has an age minimum, yet how many kids have their own profile? I know my nieces and nephews, all under thirteen have one. I worry about YouTube and how anyone can post anything they capture on their phone. And I even worry about the way we get our news, not everything we read on the Internet is accurate, and some people do not use the right source.

For each positive quality- being able to stay in touch, reconnect with old friends, to an easy way to shoot someone a message, there are just as many downfalls. There are teenagers who do not realize once a photo is posted, its out in the virtual world forever. People are more inclined to speak rude comments from behind a screen name than they ever would directly to someone. And yes, while I do have a kindle myself, and books take minutes to download, the art of waiting for its arrival and flipping through the pages is not something that can be replaced.

So, yes, I complain, but I use all the various types of media. But I do so with caution. It's easy to simply send an e-mail, but it hinders on the ability and the need for personal, face-to-face connection. New media, in its proper use can enhance the world, but the addictive draw to it can change us all into impersonal zombies.