Blog Post #3:

Social media is a great tool for communication and to stay connected when long distance strikes, however is it also something that we must not let consume us. Relating to the movie Eight Grade that we have previously watched in class. Kayla is allowing social media to consume her. Not being able to have regular conversations with her classmates but when behind a computer screen she is completely comfortable. Something I find to be a flaw in herself and the way she allowed for her cellphone to take over her life. Something that was also very evident in the film was the concept of sharing, and what was being shared on social media. Kayla, finds herself sharing videos of what It is like to be her and being able to be herself within the comfort of her MacBook and Bedroom.

Secondly, this discussion relates well to a portion of the reading for this week The Age of Sharing by Nicholas A. John. During chapter 2 How Sharing Became Caring, John brings forth the concept of what it really means to share something with one another. The past and present meanings of sharing and what cultural shifts have caused for each other the meanings to change overtime (John, 20). Describing as a "mode of distribution" in my opinion is the most relatable way to describe sharing. In the instance of Kayla, she is haring on social media because of what she is posting. She is distributing information to her peers. Personally I would also describe sharing as a mode of distribution alongside the idea of 50/50 give and take from two people or a device and a human.

What do you feel is the best thing about social media? What is your definition of the concept of "sharing"?

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