Blogs, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter. The internet has rushed the transfer of ideas into the 21st century with a chaotic burst of social networking. Not only can information be shared globally (to those with an internet connection), but now socializing can take place at ever increasing rates and audience volumes.
Some scoff at online social media from the outside as an unnecessary replacement to the phone call or personal letter. Others scoff at the newest bastard child of social media, Twitter, from within as an outlet for the narcissistic. Who is right? A bit of both, a bit of neither.
The content of all social media is a reflection of humanity and the society we have created. Do we follow the latest pop culture phenomenon religiously, parroting references to express that we are "in the know"? Family Guy, No offense Seth McFarlane. Or do we utilize the collective quality of social media to identify and act on democratic values that cannot be realized through the conventional gatekeepers of media? Flash mobs and spontaneous art. Or do we simply keep up with more people for less effort at the deceptively "free" price of privacy? Ignore the targeted ads linking you to "singles nearby". Social media is a tool and as any tool can either be utilized responsibly, reinvented for new uses, or abused and discarded. In the end a social media's longevity is the extent to which it can maintain a positive brand identity, aka whatever happened to MySpace.
The underlying aspect of all social media is the private/public relationship of conversations which is closer to grayscale than black and white. When the recipients of conversation are no longer standing in front of you, there are no longer any obvious cues to guide the content, tone and relevancy of speech. How does one separate speech towards personal friends, family, coworkers and distant acquaintances in this medium?
And this first post ends with more time spent than expected with a less than fulfilling outcome. If this is the trend it will be short experience.
I have to admit: There was a smile on my face when I was reading the introduction. I also like your balanced point of view, which (understandably) pisses you off because it's frustrating not to know which side to choose.
ReplyDeleteWell done, young activist! I'll certainly follow this blog.