Introduction
The world has evolved into a technologically savvy and dependent society with the Internet readily available to many. Convenience and connection are vital to individuals, especially within the United States. Social networking sites have progressed to fit the demanding desires of today’s technological era (Albarran 118). The progression from the first social networking sites, such as Friendster or instant messaging, to the sites used today, such as Facebook and Twitter, has made a significant impact on society. Fifteen years ago it was unimaginable the advancements the world has made in many areas, especially in technology and the worldwide web. Remaining behind a computer screen for hours was once a foreign concept, but recently became commonplace among the younger generations. Social networks are the most frequently used and popular sites on the Internet. In the United States, the time spent on social networking sites is double the amount of time spent on any other site online and continues to increase (Wilcox and Stephen 90). Without a doubt, social networking sites are an ever-growing phenomenon that is prominent in society.
Technology is a very effective tool for staying plugged in and connected with the world. Social networking sites began with original, positive intentions. Social networking sites are a great way to be aware of the most recent news. In Friends, Followers, and the Future, writer, filmmaker, and journalist Rory O’Connor whose work centers around media and politics states, “Ironically, we live in a media-saturated era, one in which news and information from a wide range of sources is readily available to many of us for the first time in history” (24). Another respectable original intent...
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Since the beginnings of American society, America has used news media as its primary tool to distribute information. Media is involved in nearly every aspect of everyday life. From morning until night, citizens are constantly bombarded by media images on television, radio, magazines, and the internet. However, since the mid-2000’s, one form of media has dominated the social landscape. This type of media has entirely changed the way other media connects with its viewers. It has shifted the power of information from the select few to the masses, from the broadcaster to the audience. It has given the individual voice a pedestal. It has made information faster, busier, more streamlined, more hectic, more interactive, all at the same time. Its name is social networking.
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On February 4, 2004, Facebook was launched and with it the epidemic of social media impact crept in its shadows. Society was revolutionized by a new era of social interaction, where individuals could connect through media channels and share their unique brand with the immediate world. Just two years later Twitter was launched, and soon after Instagram was the newest contender in the running. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are just three of the top social media outlets that millennials crave. In the world of social media, anyone can be whomever they desire, and fame has reached feasible accessibility. Through accessibility, moral standards are quickly diminished and the platform for psychological impact has reached an all time high. Social
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We as humans constantly are concerned about our social image and outcomes. These newly updated online technology tools help us use the Internet to communicate with friends and to share information and resources with our networks of contacts. Anecdotal evidence suggests social media are altering our opinions and influencing our choices, which plays a great role in conformity. Furthermore, by deviating too far, individuals risk rejection. If a person feels that he cannot change the situation, he is unlikely to try anything new. The apathy becomes self-fulfilling. No one tries anything different, and consequently, nothing
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The use of social networking has both its advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is “an Internet social network can help you connect with other people who share your interest, and find resources to ga...
In recent years, social networking sites have rapidly gained popularity among people at all ages. A large number of people have registered and become members of some social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Wechat. Also, people spend a lot of time on these sites chatting, playing games, and making friends. Social networking sites have become a part of people’s life. However, what accounts for the popularity of these sites? As far as I’m concerned, this phenomenon, which social networking sites are very popular nowadays, is caused by three important reasons.
Did you remember to tell your cousin happy birthday on Facebook? Do you know how many people liked your latest picture on instagram? Or how many retweets did you get on your totally relatable and borderline inspirational tweet? As of January 2014, 74% of online adults use social networking sites (Rainie). Also more than 9 out of 10 American teenagers use social media(Blaszczak). Because of social networking we are becoming more connected than ever before. Important information can spread faster than wildfire, and we now have the ability to have friends and relationships all over the world. With the ability to communicate and interact with anyone at our fingertips what could go wrong? Well...lots of things.
In this day and age, many individuals simply cannot go without some sort of socialization. Specifically speaking, most participate in online social networking sites. The most popular and used one is commonly known as Facebook. Facebook was created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg. By 2007, Facebook had over 21 million users, adding up to 1.6 billion page views every single day. The typical user spends over twenty minutes per day on Facebook and two thirds of the users log in every day at least once. It is not questionable as to why many people have a Facebook account. Facebook is generally efficient, easy for socialization, and not difficult to manage. Most organizations are affiliated with Facebook, as “almost 22,000 organizations had Facebook directories,” as of November 2006. A year after that in 2007, Facebook was named the seventh most popular website (Ellison 1). However, with anything well known, many oppose to using Facebook and hold criticism against the popular network. There are many flaws in the website and the relationships it starts online. Facebook is risking dangerous activities, ignoring privacy laws, and demeaning healthy socialization.