The Growing Use of Social Media....and the Growing Pains as well

My initial response to this video by social-media guru Erik Qualman is discomfort. 

Anybody want to guess my age?

Though I do see and realize the benefits of social media, I feel that we are becoming addicted to social media, spending more time online in a virtual self-absorbed existence and less time face to face in relationships with real people. 

Example of good:  A person uses Facebook to appeal to others on behalf of a co-worker, whose mother’s house burned down.  This girl—a college student, needed help because she was taking in her three young siblings while her mother was going through the process of applying for Red Cross assistance.  Because of this appeal using social media, this girl received donations of clothing and money...from near and far...to help her during this difficult time.  Social media=good.

Example of bad:  One in five divorces are blamed on Facebook.   Surely we have enough assault on marriage, and now people are using social media to arrange for cheating on their spouses?  Nice. 

Another bothersome fact:  69% of parents are “friends” with their children on social media.  I’m not sure that I want my children using social media.  It can be very dangerous to a teenager--you know, those precious creatures whose brains are not yet fully developed.  On the other hand, if and when my kids do use social media, I will stalk them “till the cows come home.” 

The icing on the cake of what I don’t like is this:  It is a sad state of affairs when Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry—those “models” of humility and selflessness that I want for my kids to emulate (that was a joke)-- have more followers on Twitter than the populations of six countries combined.  This is mind-boggling and maddening all at once.  Of course, in all fairness I can’t blame this solely upon the existence and prevalence of social media.  The problem goes much deeper...as in the dangers of parents not parenting their children properly so that they won’t have access to examples of how to have a selfish and destructive existence.  As a mother, it bothers me when kids look to celebrities as their role models.  If we can use social media in a limited and productive manner, like pointing kids to life instead of destruction, I’m all for it.  But social media promotes madness as well.  Momma is uncomfortable.

Then arises that nagging suspicion:  that those whose principles are not aligned with what is “popular” might become “blacklisted” or unwelcome on social media platforms because their beliefs are viewed as “intolerant.”  In actuality, would it not be those who attempt to quiet others who would in actuality be themselves the vessels of intolerant behavior?  Consider that Facebook has already been known to favor some views over others.  In January 2012, the social media site apologized for censoring a post by a woman who gave girls instructions on how to self-induce an abortion.  The post was quickly reinstated to her page.  Less than two months later, Facebook ordered the removal of a graphic entitled “Abortionist” posted by a pro-life group, a graphic intending to educate the public about what an abortionist actually does during the course of his day-to-day work.  Apparently, tolerance is relative. 

The growing pains have begun. 

My point here is that I sense that perhaps not all are treated equally as users of social media, and I’m concerned that social media has made it easier for us to treat one another less than respectfully.  In this “virtual” world of social media, much like in the reality of a society whose god merely appears to be “fairness,” some opinions are deemed more “correct” or “worthy” than others.   I sense that the advent of social media has served to “normalize” a disrespect for persons who do not agree with one’s own worldview.  It is much more difficult, yet much more noble, to speak to someone face-to-face, than it is to “tweet” or “message” a person using social media.  It seems as if the more “connected” we are via social media, the less “connected” we are as social beings.  Doesn’t science tell us that we need real relationships with real people in order to thrive?  How can we “drive” social media so that it doesn’t become a vehicle for destruction and oppression but instead contributes to our relationships and fosters civility and productivity and dignity?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m not a “boycotter” of social media.  I use it daily.  I just have serious concerns. 

Ok.  I got that all out.  Now will someone please comfort me by explaining that the world will not come crashing down because of social media?  Momma needs some reassurance.

Reference:  

Qualman, E.  (2012, November 7).  Social Media 2013|New Music.  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXD-Uqx6_Wk