Social Networking: A Two-Sided Controversy

 

  Social networking is something that we are all familiar with. As college students we are all really familiar with sites like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. We are constantly posting a status, uploading a picture, tweeting about the newest movie, or snapping goofy pics that will disappear in ten seconds or less. But while we are doing all of that in between our classes, have you ever stopped to think about the long-term effect social networking is going to have on not only you, but also on the entire world?

     After a little research, I found two articles that discussed this very topic. In the first one, a New York Times essay by Sherry Turkle , the negative effects of social networking were brought to light. In this essay The Flight From Conversation Turkle states that "we've become accustomed to being alone together". She mentions how people are constantly surrounded by other people, yet they are in their own bubble. They are so focused on what is happening online that people are forgetting how to have a simple conversation with one another. Turkle also states that this way of life is causing more and more people to become disconnected and to feel alone. The next article that I found Social Media's Small, Positive Role in Human Relationships by Zeynep Tufekci discusses the positive effects of social networking, and even contradicts Turkle's claims. In this article Tufekci states that the world is constantly focused on social media. However, he insists that people are in constant connection with other people. Instead of spending a bus ride blankly staring out the window, people are seeking other people out for conversation. Social networking is also a way for people to connect who have been separated due to random circumstances in life. Instead of holding a small, insignificant conversation with the person waiting in line with you at the grocery store, you are continually expressing your valuable thoughts to people who are going to impacted by them. Tufekci also states that this way of communication is one that hasn't been possible in the past, and that we shouldn't be frightened by it simply because the times have changed. Tufekci closes by saying that people have never before been as connected as they are now, and that social networking is the cause. 

     Even though we are all entitled to our own opinions and there is no right or wrong, I agree with Mr. Tufekci. I am an active person on social media. After coming to college I am still able to keep up with my high school friends regularly, even though I may go months without seeing them. Although I agree with Turkle when it comes to the fact that people are constantly in their own bubble, I would have to say that it is a healthy bubble. I enjoy social networking because not only do I get to express myself to a lot of people at one time, but I also get to see the opinions of my peers. I think social networking has more positives than negatives. What do you guys think?