Blog #3 - Culture of Sharing


As we have read during this week’s reading the distinction between social media and media. The following characteristics of social media are intended to decipher what exactly is meant “all media are social; but not all media are social.” (p.7) It is important to understand the differences between social media and just media, as these are often confused with another. As Nicholas John (2017) emphasizes the connection between social media and the act of sharing through the mediation of the internet. By understanding the production, content, and distribution method of social media can influence our interactions with those around us. This act of sharing refers to the various ways in which users interact with these interfaces and experience a personal satisfaction when engaging in social media. The combination of personal and public exposure that promotes not only an individuals self-identify, but also, a strengthen social bond. 

In contrast, we can draw comparisons to this realm of the public and personal exposures of social media in relation to the movie watched in class, Eight Grade. Kayla, a very much introverted individual allows the use of various social media domains such as: Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to convey a sense of connectedness to her peers. Kayla demonstrates the act of sharing in a particular way that has allowed for self-expression in a very public way. In the sense that these various social media platforms move beyond the means of social ties but Kayla’s livelihood. What I mean by this is that Kayla exemplifies an obsession with social media in attempt to represent herself in a way that she has difficulty in real life. The act of sharing consumes Kayla in a way that she must give this false representation of herself in order to achieve some level of self-satisfaction. In turn, this network of communications of shared media with symbolic content. Ultimately stating that It is not necessarily the act of sharing the picture that has the most significance but rather the response to that post. 


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