Computer-mediated communications, such
as emailing, chatting, and social networking have become a ubiquitous presence
in our modern society and have influenced how we interact with one another. For
those that often use various modes, it is not only shapes how one communicates,
but the meaning of the content as well. In particular, this includes how the
user elects to showcase aspects of their identity. It is not dependent upon the
physical attributes of the user, self-portrayal is subjective and dynamic.
With
the advent and continual advancement of these technologies, new methods for
socialization have allowed users multiple outlets for identity. In most
instances, identity portrayed does not have to conform to the characteristics
of the user. The creation is “false identity “is not necessarily done to
deceive others, but to express different facets of oneself within virtual
environments. In return, it is plausible that the creation and interaction of
such identities influence self-perception- not only within the virtual world,
but also within the real world.
Social media is quickly evolving in front of our
eyes and it is almost impossible to reject and hide from this new form of
media. Not only is it an important part
of socialization within peer groups but now it is used to market and motivate
people to become a part of a larger community.
It is undeniably changing the way one communicates and how one finds and
shares information.
Most websites
offer communication through the use of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube,
LinkedIn and many various blog formats. With new apps on smartphones and
photography and video made digital, media can be created, edited and shared
quickly and once it is in this new digital cloud it is not yours anymore. Through these new advances in technology one
can share things about themselves to the world to view, and prior to social
media one would have to communicate and share physically. These social media site offer adolescence new
ways to access communication and entertainment and the long-term effects are
still unknown. For this reason, it is
imperative for parents to be more aware of this new media and what it offers
both good and bad for our children.
There are many
ways social media can be used by youth in a positive way. It is not just an avenue for socializing;
kids and adolescents can be creative, interact, and learn. Social networking provides an alternative way
to get students interested in learning with a new and previously unconventional
medium. It can also help with “homework
and group projects”. Even though social media isn’t only used for social
interaction, it is an important aspect of adolescents’ lives. Social media provides an avenue for them to
stay connected with peers they have met through school, sports teams, church,
etc. Social networking can also help shy
adolescents have a more non-threatening way to interact with peers because they
aren’t interacting face-to-face. It also provides an opportunity for teens to
connect with others who share a similar interest. Social media sites can provide a place for
adolescents to share their interests in art, music, games and blogs with
others.
Although there
are many positive aspects of social media, the negative effects on children and
adolescents are also numerous. Social
media can affect the mental health of teens.
The level of effect, according to research, seems to go up as teens’ use
goes up. Their level of contentment can
decrease, and their likelihood of getting into trouble or being depressed can
increase. Many forms of cyber bullying
are also a problem and can lead to the victims experiencing depression and
anxiety. Cyber bullying has also been
the cause of many suicides in young people. It is bad enough that there are
adolescents who are victims of negative comments by peers, but many are
victimized by strangers as well. Many
young online users are lured by online sexual predators.
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