Poll/Survey: Would you say that in general social media has helped or hurt humanity?
I think when used properly, I think that social media like Facebook for example, can be very useful. It can be a great way to advertise if you are in business, and it can also be a good way to connect with people that perhaps you haven't seen in a long time.
Unfortunately though, as people we tend to abuse things, especially if we haven't worked for it. And then because not wanting to be seen in such an unflattering light, we often blame somebody else for our actions.
For example, people often times post comments on issues, whether they be social or political, and unfortunately the way that they will sometimes phrase their words often times can be very insulting.
Or they will complain about their personal problems on social media, talking about things that would be better left private, and the problem with doing that is is that it can later come back to bite them in the ass.
If you're going to be on social media, that's fine in of itself. But just like in real life you've got to be discreet about what you say on it. You need to actually THINK before you hit that post button.
For you fans of The Walking Dead TV show, there's a scene in season 2 right after Carol finds out that her daughter Sophia have been killed, and she's talking about her daughter being in heaven, and Carl belittles her for her beliefs.
Rick talks to the boy privately, tells him that first off he was wrong for how he spoke to her, and then when Carl tries to defend himself, Rick tells him: "Stop! Don't talk - Think. That's a good rule for life."
So remember, BEFORE you hit that post button on social media, review carefully what you have said - and HOW you have said it. "Don't talk - Think."
It should also be pointed out that abusing social media, is not just limited to what people say on it, but by how much time they spend on it as well. If you're spending all your time in front of a computer, and not out there in the real world socializing with other fellow human beings, your social skills are going to suffer for it.
Not to mention the fact that because of not associating with human beings, you're going to feel lonely, and as a result it can cause you to act in ways that perhaps are unbecoming.
As people, we need interaction with each other. We're social animals! We crave and thrive on that Personal Touch - if you will. And that cannot be achieved in front of a computer.
So like I said, social media, when it is used properly, when it is used responsibly, can be a great tool. But when people abuse it, buy either not thinking about what they post, or letting it take the place of actual human interaction, that's when it is a detriment.
now, I would like to hear from you. What are your thoughts on social media?
Comments
social media mainly just causes more problems than solutions imo too many people argue,break up and gemerally start wars i dont use facebook anymore because of the arguments that occured when you get tagged in a picture that you dont like im notagainst social media just dont like facebook twitter and forums like the one im using now seem fine
The question isn't that simple. Social media can help, and social media can hurt. Some of the younger users on this forum might not have been born were it not for social media. Social media doesn't belittle people. People belittle people.
That said, I don't have a Facebook account.
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I think it's a good thing. Information moves so quickly. Sometimes too quickly, but the good outweighs the bad in my opinion.
The internet wasn't even a thing when I was a kid, so it might be easier for myself to not be totally consumed by it. I'll admit, there are days where I sit with my laptop open to facebook while I do things. It's not a part of me though. I could never be "bullied" there or if someone posts something that pisses me off, I can easily turn it off or just ignore it. To me, it's a tool. A very useful awesome tool.
As I've mentioned, I have a shitty occupational life. I work weekends and evenings, so I rarely get to hang out with my friends. We try to get together a few times a year, but other than that, it's social media and texting. Without social media, the only friends I would still have would be co-workers. Everyone else would have drifted away over the years.
You don't have friends and family in other countries? You are basing your whole response on those whom use it solely for entertainment. Not everything is jokes, outrage and cat pictures. I do find Twitter mostly what you described though and am not really a fan of it. It feels like Youtube comments having their own forum.
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dot dot dot
Yeah at 1:30AM. Ain't life grand!
Anyhow, I don't think one can pigeonhole social media so narrowly. Sure, there are people whom ruin the appeal, but then again, not everyone that watches TV likes it for reality shows.
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I did edit my original post before your reply registered. I did not intend it to be accusatory. I do respect your view and had no issue with the second part of your initial post. It was the first, where it came off more of a statement of what social media is. There are a few things I have a narrow, negative opinion of(ask the senior mods). I just wanted an acknowledgement that the view can still be different to those whom are not self-obsessed narcissists, intellectual lightweights, and other, distasteful people. It's all good.
I would say Social Media has both helped and hindered people. Social media has a positive aspect in that you get to interact with people from around the world and share your interest and ideas and those who share the same concepts that you do. The negative aspect however is that it takes away from personal interaction with real life people, not to mention it can become addicting as with anything else. I also think some people take social media too seriously, people easily get offended at a video or comment you post or you say something they don't like and it leads to things like flame wars and drama.
I honestly think it depends on each individual. Social media can harm lives but it can also help make peoples' lives better.
Saying social media has hurt humanity seems a bit dramatic to me.