Recent
events have brought the effect that 'social media' has upon our
society in focus, perhaps it is a good thing that a sick individual has shown
that it is possible to spread their sick views and actions world wide
in seconds and is a wakeup call for society. The ease and speed with
which information and opinions (accurate, inaccurate or plain
hateful) can be disseminated is a relatively new phenomenon and
largely unregulated, is that a good thing or something that needs to
be more strictly controlled in a 'free' society?
If
you search the phrase that titles this piece you will find numerous
scholarly articles and opinion pieces covering this question and as a
'non user' of said platforms (unless you count blogger and email as
such) I can hardly be counted as knowledgeable on its use. Does that
make me and objective observer or an ignorant one, I will let you the
reader decide!
Whilst
the actions referenced above have perhaps brought this issue into
focus it is far from the only similar atrocity, I suspect there is a
much broader effect that modern communications are having upon our
both our perceptions and our actions. Everything done or said by even
the most obscure pundit or individual that is unusual, newsworthy,
political or otherwise deemed worthy of being repeated is instantly
spread via a few clicks on those insidious devices that most everyone
now carries in their pocket.
“Social
media has eliminated
communication barriers
and has paved the way for people to connect, collaborate and share
their opinions and creations with anyone who is willing to listen.
Social media is breaking down hierarchical, regional, age and
cultural boundaries by providing a communication platform that spans
across the globe and reaches us all. ..... Not being a part of “the
movement” and specifically being targeted and/or excluded from such
online networks has shown to be detrimental to a young adult’s
mental and social wellbeing as it can lead to isolation and
depression.” On the other hand given the main focus of my
scribbling's over the last 10 years I cant help but wonder how much
effect online media of all types have not only on our up and coming
electorate but on the decisions all of us here in Canada will be
making in a few months.
We
are all addicted to the need for knowing what is going on around us
(and I include myself here as although not on 'social media' I am no
less addicted to google news and the like) as even some of those who
administer said tool admit. 'Many studies have shown that the
extensive use of social media can actually cause addiction to the
users. Throughout their day, they feel to post something on their
pages or check others posts as it has become an important part of our
life. Facebook's former vice president for user growth, Chamath
Palihapitiya, recently said "we have created tools that are
ripping apart the social fabric of how society works,” and advised
people to take a "hard break" from social media.'
As
with is usual in sharing my thoughts with you my limited number of
readers (as I said I'm NOT facebook and the like!) I have few answers
but I do have many questions. I will leave you with this one....
Is
the ease with which the actions of sick individuals who choose to
demean, harass, attack and even kill other human beings can be spread
on public forums being used by said people either as a guide and / or
an encouragement to do the same? Is social media and the 'information
age' part of the problem or part of the solution, should it be more
closely 'regulated'?
2 comments:
It seems to me, Rural, that reading social media is a little like being able to read people. If you can't distinguish the good from the bad, you're in deep trouble.
I suspect that the pure volume (often of little value) is overwhelming for some folks Owen.
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