Media In Society: Youth and Social Media

In this Technology age, it is as though each individual is in constant contact with the public. A new, fun, and exciting way to connect is always being introduced for the world to enjoy.  Through popular social media formats, it is as if one’s peers are in all places at all times. While this seems positive, there are also some negative aspects. Social media sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter can be a wonderful way to communicate with individuals by networking, small chatting, or even finding love.  However, posting the wrong information on these sites can result in one being fired from work, suspended from school, or dumped by their spouse.

While social media affects every age group; youth are especially at risk to experience the most damage.  In thinking about how this predominance in our society affects youth, we will explore the roles and impact of social media usage on today’s youth. Social media and texting have become such common tools of communication that they could become a crutch for some adolescents. Young people may have trouble developing even the most basic communication skills, such as introducing themselves to others.  At the same time, that excessive dependence may come with a level of comfort in freely sharing personal information without regard to privacy or security.

During the course of the Spring 2011 semester, we will consider overarching issues regarding privacy and interpersonal communication. Each week will delve deeper into issues within those topic areas. We hope you will follow us and share your perspective!

Issues Affecting Youth and Social Media:

• Privacy: “Something as simple as a status update on Facebook or Twitter could give complete strangers an easy way to monitor certain aspects of your life.”
• Identity Theft
• Sexual Predators
• Stalkers

• Interpersonal Communication:  “When looking for the words to express something personal; it just seems easier to send a text than to have to look them in the eye.”
• Decrease in Social Skills
• Bullying
• Lying via Social Media