Considering how incredibly reliant my generation is upon social media, it
would make sense that it has changed communication in more ways than one. So, exactly
how has social media changed communication? There are two sides to this story.
On the one hand it has become a wonderful tool to connect with loved ones
through Facebook, express yourself through pictures in apps like VSCO and
Instagram, and add funny one-liners to the internet through tweeting. I do all
of those things. There are many more mediums to use the internet in positive
ways. BUT, and it is a pretty big but, this tool that we have can also become
one of our inner demons. In this Forbes article
It states
that only 7% of messages given through verbal and written word is
communicated to the other person. The other 93% of what we absorb comes from
body language and non-verbal cues like tone of voice, stance, and eye contact, etc.
Considering this evidence, how we truly feel and what we really want to say is
only 7% of what people actually see on the internet. You can be whoever you
want online. For better or for worse.
Not only is that a huge issue
that can lead to things like depression, anxiety, etc., but we are also missing
out on opportunities and experiences that will enrich our lives! Or the possibility
of meeting someone that can change your life. There are countless times that I can
remember saying to myself ‘I’d rather stay here and watch Netflix’ or going to
an event with friends and spending 60% of the time on my phone; as do they. This
video pretty much sums up my feelings about our obsession with social media:
(Excuse the
swear and amount of cheese) Can you tell I’m a little bit biased about this
topic? Because I am. Don’t get me wrong, enhancing technology and bettering our
ways of communication in this day and age is an amazing, AMAZING thing we’ve got
going. I would be a sad little gal if I couldn’t see pictures of my nephews on
a weekly basis. Or Face-time friends that live far away. Or even find funny memes
and tweets on twitter. I just think social media has become such a major aspect
of our lives that our priority to live and have adventures are skewed. Many
things I have read are either very pro-social media or very anti-social media.
But you know what? It’s a balance. It NEEDS to be a balance of being able to
use social media for its best attributes at the same that we still connect and
experience our surroundings in the best way possible. I will, if you will.
Andrew Williams - great post concerning the pros and cons of social media, and how it plays a big aspect within your life. I would say add more insight into how it affects humanity as a whole rather then a skewed perception on how you feel it plays in your everyday life. Good read though. XD
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