Times are Changing

Convenience or Independence? We have just recently started researching the influences of social media on our society, and as it continues to intertwine with our everyday lives we will have to make choices on which paths we want to go down: convenience or the ability to make decisions for ourselves? There are many pros and cons towards advancements in technology, specifically related to social media, but as I compare my childhood to kids today I can’t help but feel sorry for what they are missing out on. Walking over to a friend’s house down the street in Elementary School, the excitement of going to swim practice 1 ½ hours early to play around in Middle School and hanging out at the movie theater on Friday nights in High School; these are just some of the memories that shaped who I am as a person today. (I will note that I received a cell phone in 7 th grade but obviously I was not able to use it throughout my adolescent years as kids are able to today). I was no

Furthering Ourselves is as Easy as Listening Throughout my life, specifically the past several years, I have come to realize that people have a hard time accepting things they do not wish to believe. That unwillingness to overcome these thoughts can carry to many aspects of their lives; including but not limited to personal relationships, political beliefs, perceived relationships, and outlooks on their lives. To me, it is important to hear and understand all sides before making a decision, but to others, it is simply too hard to change their perspective to see the other side. Furthermore, what does the other side consist of? Is it rumors, fact or simply someone else’s opinion? I think that it can be a combination of them all, depending on the situation and what is occurring. The real issue is whether people want to see opposing viewpoints or completely shut it out. Rumors, as well as gossip, happen for numerous different reasons, some purposefully and others out of human error.

            Civic Participation & the Feelings You Get             How have we, as a society, affected change through social media outlets? I believe the concept of Instantaneity, viewing events as they happen, has shaped outcomes as well as brought new light to events that have happened throughout the world. Not only has social media shaped history by instant coverage but it has given opportunity for engagement to people of all races, gender, SES & location, which has lessened the digital divide.             Instant coverage has affected everyone, with some good and bad outcomes. For the viewer, it is great to see what is unfolding in real time, but there are side effects such as wrong or misleading information broadcasted due to journalists not having appropriate time to vet sources. In contrast, having instant coverage has provided the ability for events to gain awareness while they are unfolding, which can lead to support from people outside of that specific geogra