Blog Post #3- Shedding Positive Light on Social Media
Don't get me wrong- the use of social media has many negative consequences on today's society- especially for younger generations who are developing socially and finding it more challenging than ever. From the way that we place significant meaning on how many "likes" we get in terms of our own self-worth, to the fear inscribed in us knowing that our data is being collected and sold to advertisers, social media can be a scary place of many uncertainties.
However, I think we have a lot of these discussions about the cons of social media- and while they're important, I don't think social media is going anywhere, anytime soon. So that's why I would like to shed some light on the positive aspects of social media!
As we've discussed in class and learned from this week's readings, social media runs on the basis of sharing, and acting simultaneously as a tool for producing AND consuming content. What comes with these socio-technological affordances is the power to give ourselves a voice, and in the capitalistic society that we live in, we should use this to our advantage. Yes, social media runs on capitalism, but that doesn't have to be a negative thing. I often use Facebook as a platform to spread positive messages about environmental sustainability, mental health and wellness, and other information that I am passionate about. As Herman (2013) mentioned in Production, Consumption and Labor in Social Media, "the urge of communicating to others about ourselves and lives on an everyday basis- and having such communication entail a reciprocal recognition, is a fundamental foundation of personal and social identity in the contemporary world" (29). So by sharing this content and adding my own commentary, I am contributing to the development of my own identity. Herman (2013) states, "Facebook operates as a mode of making meaning (communication) that is deployed and structured to make money (production)" (31). I can use Facebook and other social media to spread information about how people can live more sustainable lives- such as products they can use or practices they can follow that will reduce their eco-footprint. I can also share articles I read about how one-use plastic is negatively impacting our ecosystems and how various species are becoming endangered and extinct because of us humans. I've also shared on Facebook different cosmetic brands that people can use that do not test their products on animals. You see, I am promoting capitalism here because I am promoting different brands and products, but I am promoting sustainable products that have the potential to make a difference in this world! Social media plays a big role in the way that we form relationships with ourselves and others. The next time you consume something negative on your newsfeed, think of it as an opportunity to share and produce something more positive for yourself and others- start a conversation!
However, I think we have a lot of these discussions about the cons of social media- and while they're important, I don't think social media is going anywhere, anytime soon. So that's why I would like to shed some light on the positive aspects of social media!
As we've discussed in class and learned from this week's readings, social media runs on the basis of sharing, and acting simultaneously as a tool for producing AND consuming content. What comes with these socio-technological affordances is the power to give ourselves a voice, and in the capitalistic society that we live in, we should use this to our advantage. Yes, social media runs on capitalism, but that doesn't have to be a negative thing. I often use Facebook as a platform to spread positive messages about environmental sustainability, mental health and wellness, and other information that I am passionate about. As Herman (2013) mentioned in Production, Consumption and Labor in Social Media, "the urge of communicating to others about ourselves and lives on an everyday basis- and having such communication entail a reciprocal recognition, is a fundamental foundation of personal and social identity in the contemporary world" (29). So by sharing this content and adding my own commentary, I am contributing to the development of my own identity. Herman (2013) states, "Facebook operates as a mode of making meaning (communication) that is deployed and structured to make money (production)" (31). I can use Facebook and other social media to spread information about how people can live more sustainable lives- such as products they can use or practices they can follow that will reduce their eco-footprint. I can also share articles I read about how one-use plastic is negatively impacting our ecosystems and how various species are becoming endangered and extinct because of us humans. I've also shared on Facebook different cosmetic brands that people can use that do not test their products on animals. You see, I am promoting capitalism here because I am promoting different brands and products, but I am promoting sustainable products that have the potential to make a difference in this world! Social media plays a big role in the way that we form relationships with ourselves and others. The next time you consume something negative on your newsfeed, think of it as an opportunity to share and produce something more positive for yourself and others- start a conversation!
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I agree with you. I find that we oftentimes focus on the negative impacts of social media while failing to recognize their positive aspects. In addition to the promotion of postive messages (like you said), another positive aspect that I think worth noting is the idea that social media have to ability to create a sense of community. By sharing statuses, photos, and articles with our friends and family, we feel connected to them through a sense of virtual closeness. In other words, social media help us maintain social bonds with loved ones, which I ultimately think is a positive thing!
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I think you're right that we've become more skeptical of social media and that there are definitely positive aspects about it. I agree that social media can give us a voice to speak on issues were passionate about and often times the content that people share provides me with new insight on a topic that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. Instead of focusing on the negative consequences attached to social media, it makes perfect sense to highlight the positive side especially if social media is here to stay long term. Well done!
Great post! I 100% agree with you. As you mentioned, there are obviously a lot of negative impacts of social media we have discussed within classes and readings, but there are also a lot of positive impacts as well. One specific example I think of at the top of my head is people sharing the Go Fund Me pages on Facebook. This is a way for people to raise money for a specific cause that they do not have funds for. This is a very positive aspect of social media. I also agree with your sharing of topics you feel strongly about. I am vegetarian, and I often share posts about the benefits of being vegetarian. Social media is a platform where individuals are able to share what they feel strongly about.
ReplyDelete