Social Media Change

Social Media has changed communication on so many levels. It’s changed our global communication, public discourse, and the communication we engage in through dating or even relationships in general. Furthermore, it’s impacted how we talk about ideas, products, and needs of others. Social media has created an opportunity for individuals to have a voice on a grand scale and has created a space for people to rally around issues to create change. How has social media had such a big impact?

I believe social media or new media in general has changed communication because it has created an opportunity to reach audiences of multiple spheres. When something happens people from all sorts of geographic locations, social economic class, and beliefs have an opportunity to see, hear, and participate. That broad reach creates an opportunity to engage with people on the other side of the world if you choose. This provides a way for us to see the inside perspective of people all around the world. Everyone has an opportunity to post videos, text, etc about their life or situations so we’re able to get the full picture instead of the highlights that the media wants us to know.

Furthermore, social media has influenced how instantaneous personal or public news communication is. As a result, we can communicate and stay informed through apps rather than talking to one another face to face. If something happens and you have the news app on your phone, Facebook, Twitter, etc., you will know about it through immediate posts. You also can have your phone notify you when people interact with you through social media. I have several friends who live around the country and we are in constant contact over Snapchat all day. We can talk instantly because of that app and the notifications I’ve set on my phone. Furthermore, when major events happen, my entire feed is filled with that information across several platforms, so I can stay informed.

Social media and how we communicate on it has created an opportunity for individual’s to be a part of the news. For example, if I am walking to campus and I see a building on fire I could pull out my phone and post a video to Facebook and my “friends” would be informed. My friends didn’t have to be there in person to know what happened and we could have dialogue about the event through social media instead of face to face.

The world will continue to be impacted by new media and it’s our job as consumers to use them responsibly and combat against the cons of this social media age.



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