The Impact of Social Networking - Essay Example

Social Media: Positive and Negative Impacts on Society Introduction A television program recently had a comedic skit where the Internet went out in a home and the residents had to resort to a box-labeled ‘pre-internet’ – inside the box were a rubber duck, a barbell, and a fake plastic tree. While most of us recognize that there was a lot more going on in pre-internet times than a box full of trinkets, the absurdity of the skit draws ones attention to the fact that one of the great changes in culture, arguably on the size of the Protestant Reformation, the Industrial Revolution, or even the Renaissance, is the new occurrence of what has been called the Digital Age. Indeed, the last decade has witnessed an explosive array of social networking emerge that has come to dominate not only the Internet, but to become a part of contemporary social interaction. With this explosive power, it is no surprise that much through has gone into investigating the potential behind these new types of communication, with researchers coming to a variety of conclusions. While the Internet drastically changed the ways people interact with computer technology, recent developments in social networking have had both positive and negative impacts on society. This essay examines both the positive and negative aspects of the social media in the 21st century. Analysis The greatest benefit of social networking is the effect it has had on new ways of socializing. In these regards, social networking has not only given individuals a new way of communication, but has also functioned as a means of making social communication larger. One must only consider how something such as Facebook has brought individuals into contact with each other throughout the nation and world. While only a decade ago quick social communication with individuals in another country could only be conducted through email or telephone, Facebook and Twitter allow individuals to remain in contact with each other through indirect yet strong ways. This not only operates as a means of communicating that is on par with the previously mentioned means of communication, but functions as an entirely unique form of socializing. Through these social networking platforms individuals can readily meet people through the world and communicate not simply through talking, but engage in self-expression through pictures and songs. This means of communication allows for newfound means of interaction and expression that go beyond past forms of social communication, advancing knowledge of the world through improved teamwork. Another large way that the social web has positively impacted life is within work environments. Websites such as Craigslist and Ebay that have forum like options for interacting, allow individuals to search for jobs, and sell items. In addition to en-largening employment potential, such elements also expand the array of available hard-to-find merchandise. Another prominent consideration is the implementation of networking through smart phone and tablet technology. Javadi (2011) notes that increasingly, “For the businessman or businesswoman on the road the weapon of choice for tackling the job is a tablet which may also serve as a walkie-talkie and web browser.” The impact in specific industries can be considered in virtually any context where the individual is required to conduct business outside of the home or office environment. For instance, stockbrokers and investors have the added benefit of being able to remain abreast of market conditions and conduct business deals on a 24-hour basis. Medical professionals are able to message ahead and prepare the hospital for emergency situations. Agents are able to conduct a meeting, step outside to network with their team, and then step back into the room and complete a multi-million dollar contract. In developing regions social networking has also had an important impact. Cooper (2009) notes that programs such as Nokia Life Tools send SMS, text messages regarding agricultural prices and information to poor farmers allow them to trade more fairly and efficiently. Ultimately, the impact of social networking in the work environment is truly profound. Another arena where social networking is meaningful can be found within the field of education. Within education, social networking has taken hold in many classroom environments. One such example is that of the networking device Ning. Teachers throughout the country have been able to implement Ning to advance classroom project teamwork in new ways. For instance, one such method of education has been shown to occur in English classrooms when the instructor is able to assign homework to students through this messaging system, allowing them to brainstorm projects, and to seek advice from each other on challenging passages and group projects (Fraser & Dutta, 2008, p. 32). While such thinking was previously relegated to the classroom environment it is now carried over to homework. This has expanded the classroom and made social networking an essential aspect of this process. In these regards, it’s clear that social networking represents much more than simply a passing trend or phenomenon. While there are undoubtedly a number of positive aspects of social networking there are additionally a number of negative aspects. Individuals such as Davis (2010, p. 320) argue that social networking has had a negative impact on human social interactions. This perspective argues that social networking has resulted in a generation of people who have learned to communicate primarily through these devices. This has resulted in a society that is unable to deal with social problems on a face-to-face level. Individuals also argue that such changes have resulted in decreased ethical responsibility. With the high amount of social interaction that occurs through these networks the extent that humans feel a humanitarian responsibility is believed to have declined. One considers that individuals over networking sites will regularly criticize each other in ways that they would never do in public. Another criticism of social networking is through the very infrastructure that has been constructed as a means to allow this technology. This rapid growth requires the past social landscape changes in the very nature of social relations. As a means of enabling Internet technology, it’s necessary for mobile antennae to be placed throughout many regions. Such technology has greatly impacted the social environment, as places of previous historical significance are now impacted by the infusion of such modern infrastructure. While much of the society has come to expect this technology, others argue that it has negatively impacted views and landscapes. Such technology has gained considerable complaints, most prominent from rural and suburban regions in developed countries, where the inclusion of this infrastructure dramatically impacts the social landscape. To a large degree the problem in the social landscape has been in terms of planning and development, particularly in developing regions. For example, Stevens (2010) indicates that Chinese alone experienced cell phone growth to approximately 87% for the last decade. Ultimately this demonstrates a desire for more natural environments. Another area where social networking has arguably had a negative impact on society is through decreased face-to-face interaction. One considers that the nature of personal interaction can be heightened and enhanced when socialization occurs without a computer. The development of social networking sites has resulted in increasing amounts of people not participating in real life interaction and instead choosing to communicate over the Internet. While Internet communication has a number of benefits – many of these were established earlier – face-to-face interaction is often recognized as a more mentally and emotionally healthy means of socializing. The increase of social networking then has removed humans a number of degrees from this natural state of socializing. Additionally, society has attenuated itself to this change, removing individuals from each other at greater distances and making it normal for individuals to keep in touch only through the Internet. Conclusion In conclusion, social networking functions in many ways as a means of advancing social communication. When considering whether social networking is a positive thing, it is demonstrated that it has strong social implications in terms of general social interaction, work environments, and education. Conversely, the negative impact of social networking has been examined. Specifically this is considered in relation to decreased social skills and ethics, the need for added technological infrastructure, and a lack of genuine interaction. Ultimately, it’s clear that social networking is not a passing trend, but rather an essential element of the social order that will not simply go away, but evolve into more complex forms of networking and socializing. References Cooper, M. (2009). Nokia life tools – initial reactions to launch in india. Retrieved from http://conversations.nokia.com/2009/06/25/nokia-life-tools-initial-reactions-to- launch-in-india/ Davis, Anelia. (2010). The digital age: shifting patterns of interactivity. New York. Templeton Press. Fraser, Mathew., Dutta Soumitra (2008) Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom: How Online Social Networking Will Transform Your Life, Work and World. Wiley. Javadi, Ken. (2011). Impact of wireless technology on society. Retrieved from http://www.askkia.com/articles/societal-impact-of-wireless-technology-on- society.html McLuhan, Marshall (1967). ‘Marshall McLuhan interview 1967’. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMEC_HqWlBY Stevens, Wilfed. (2010). The social impact of mobile telephony. Retrieved from http://www.itu.int/telecom- wt99/press_service/information_for_the_press/press_kit/backgrounders/backgrou nders/social_impact_mobile.html Read More