Sunday, February 28, 2016

Is Social Networking as Negative as You Think?


Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are some of today's leading names in social networking. Many Americans used Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. In fact the number increased from 26%, in 2008 to 74% in 2014. Social networking has been known to have its first start back in 1997, when the first social media website, Six Degrees, enabled users to create profiles and socialize with other users, eventually leading to relationships(Wiley). Social networking is used to interact with other users whether on the upper echelon of a business or simply an interpersonal level. Although, social networks anticipated goal is to allow users to find and relate to other users with similar interests in hope of building further relations, people argue that social networks are destroying true and sincere relationships. However, it is strongly counter argued that social networking should be seen as a way of enhancing authoritative relationships instead of curtailing the relationship.
People incessantly use social networking as an excuse for their own over embellished in a relationship in lieu of taking responsibility themselves. Social networking has the ability to influence relations between individuals, however, it does not have the ability to dictate what goes on in the relationship. Social networking should be seen as a factor that drives relations. For instance, Billy and Jean both use the well- known dating website BlackPeopleMeet.com. Billy sees Jean’s profile picture, and attracted, decided to explore her biography. Billy learns that him and Jean share a variety of interests in common and therefore, wants to further communication with Jean. Eventually, Billy and Jean are now a couple and Billy practices being earnest with Jean. After a couple of months, it bothers Billy, to see that Jean’s relation status is still set to single. Billy, not being a confrontational person, leaves the situation and cuts off communication with Jean. Now, before the oblivious conclusion that “social networking ruined their relationship” is thrown out about this particular circumstance, it is only suitable to first scrutinize the situation as a whole. It is not social network’s defect for Jean not exposing her relationship to the public, and it surely did not control Billy from communicating with Jean. So what really was the cause of complications in the relationship? After all, the online dating social network has accomplished its endeavor; suiting individuals who share similar interests.
A point often addressed in society is the role social networking plays on interaction and socialization. Opponents of social networking affirm that it prevents face-to face communication in relationships and is considered a waste of time, which can be somewhat true, yet, social networking sites also assuages people who are socially isolated or shy to form better relations with people. According to procon.org, social networking sites allow people to improve their relationships and make new friends. When asked, 52% of teens using social media reported that using the sites has helped their relationships with friends and 70%  of adult social networking users visit the sites to associate with friends and family, which leads to an increased online communication and strengthens relationships. Also, 88% report that social networks helps them stay in touch with friends they cannot see regularly, 69% report getting to know students at their school better, and 57% make new friends.
Social networking can increase confidence levels. A person who may suffer from isolation or shyness

may increase their social skills through social networking. For the majority, social networking allows

people to express themselves freely. People may be afraid to express themselves publicly around

people, however, social networking can be as a personal virtual world, free to express, free to control

 who can and can not see your thoughts and how you feel. Not only does social networking contribute

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/positive-impact-social-networking-sites-society-opinion/ to free self expression, but it also helps with spreading personal ideas.
 


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