The Decline of Face-to-Face Interaction

   Social Media: The Decline of Face-to-Face Interaction

  
         I've always considered social media to be a tool, and just like Diane Rehm states, it is. The controversy comes into play though when people forget how to use these tools. Social media, if used correctly, could be/is one of the biggest advancements that we have in the modern world. Social media allows us to connect, receive news faster, and engage with people that we other-wise never would have. The problem is that a lot of people don't know how to use this correctly and suffer from things such as Facebook Depression or other negative states of mind due to social media. Think about it this way, if you use a hammer (a tool) to try and wash dishes with, things might not go well for your breakable dishware. You need to use the right tool, in the right places in order for it to be successful.

        Diane Rehm brings up great points in her talk, that people use Social Media as their primary source as a means for communication. It's inevitable that the more time we spend on Social Media, the less we will with face-to-face communication in the real world. Is this a good or a bad thing? Well, its sort of up to? Myself, I love social media, but I also love FtF to a point where I am unwilling to give that up. Because of this, I choose to stay away from messaging people through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I instead use them for leisure time to simply see what my friends and followers are doing. By this, I am unashamed to bring it up in real communication and we then have more to talk about when I see them in real life. Communication is beautiful, and it should never be replaced.

       Throughout life we learn different signs and symbols on how to interact with others, it is possible, that social media is simply just another one to learn. And, if used effectively, can greatly benefit our lives. We even have jobs title 'Social Media Consultants' now! This is a revolution, businesses are figuring out how to grow, peoples networks are expanded, and we are now able to communicate with people half away around the world...for free! It is great, and I'm all on board, but, this doesn't change the fact that a lot of people cant get over the mental edge to distinguish social media from real communication based interactions. I am a firm believer that social media classes should be offered in high school and required in college, in order to help people get past that mental hump.

     Well, there's my rant for the week, I hope you all enjoyed reading it and I look forward to learning more and talking more about social media in this new day and age.