Blog 1 Influence of Media
What forms of new media do you use daily?Ahh, let me count the ways: Facebook - to make sure that my virtual personal resume is well liked by my friends; Instagram - to ensure that my children's personal resume's don't collide with my carefully orchestrated Facebook page; email - I have to be the first to see the LivingSocial deals or know that Sperry Topsider has just released 200 new pairs of shoes; internet - for headlines and short sound bites so that I sound current and interesting while networking.
How has social media influenced your perspective of events?
I can be grievously incorrect about current events due to media's rush to be the first to report cutting edge news without fact checking. I can react emotionally, impulsively, and outrageously on a global platform without fear of judgement because the next distraction for my audience is only one and half seconds away!
I can also be aware of the world all around me - from the celebrations of the upcoming Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany to the devastation of an earthquake in Japan and the impending tsunami taking place now. These events unfold in real time, right in front of me, wherever and whenever I choose. They allow me to drink beer, offer prayers, donate money, or (most likely) do nothing at all.
Are these positive or negative influences?
The creation of a global neighborhood will allow us to break down prejudice as we become aware of other cultures (such as the understanding of the rich Mayan culture of the indigenous people of Mexico). However, sensationalism driven reporting can create intense and rapid prejudices as seen in Ferguson, Missouri.
A news media without accountability, or in the very least an unbalance presentation of events, can create ignorance and stoke the fires of raw emotions all for the price of getting the most re-tweets and hits.
The true upside is that more people, globally, are aware of the world around them. We have global unity at our fingertips and, therefore, can perhaps lessen the disparity of income gaps, decrease infant mortality rates, increase literacy rates all by our ability to transfer knowledge, skill sets, interests, and financial support via new media.
Larisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. While I do agree with most of what you said, I do wonder how you would go about changing some of the negative influences that social media gives us? For instance, the imbalance in Ferguson, MO right now, how could we change that? I have seen it from both sides, the news media to the personal coverage videos and I still cannot tell you who is right and who is wrong. I think that social media just helps to blur the lines because with the technology we have we can edit footage to show whatever we want.
On the other hand, I do agree that the more people that engage in social media the more aware we all become. The problem with this is that social media is not available in some areas, while others have prohibited social media. I also have to disagree with the part of global unity and no bias based on certain criteria. I say this because the neighborhood I live in is still divided. I live in an apartment complex, and though it is nice, we are looked down upon because we do not rent or own a house in this neighborhood. I do not guess about this, I know this for a fact. For the last 5 years that I have lived here the only time children are allowed to attend my children's birthdays is if they are hosted somewhere other than at my house. Also, if you walk up to the school you will see that everyone is not only divided by race, but also by income. So I do not think that social media really helps all the time, but I do agree that for the most part it is a good influence, sometimes. :) Great Post again.
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteGreat point! There is a funny definition of realism between the worlds of new media and the worlds we physically occupy daily. SHAME on the parents that would allow shallowness to affect a child's birthday! I'm sorry that you and your children see the limited scope of humanity so close to home. By the way, congratulations on on being the matriarch of a loving and intelligent family - you win.
My point on Ferguson, MO is that new media may not be the great equalizer, but may be the great divider. Media literacy is a learned skill and intentional practice, you ask how we could change the negative influences? Perhaps as members of society we only support legitimate news organizations over the sensationalists? Just a thought...
Thank you for your thoughtful comments - you made me think:)
Thanks for the blog post
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog post
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