The Power Of Social Media

Technology and social media is found almost everywhere, but how appropriate is it for individuals? It allows individuals to study, conduct research and socialize, but what is the greater impact of it?

One of the major events that struck me as a resident of the United States was the Ferguson incident. In the last weeks of summer, one didn’t hear about the Ferguson incident (a teenage boy that was shot by a policeman because he seemed like a suspect of robbery) by the mass media; instead, it was reported by the very residents of Ferguson. The event didn’t come out on TV at first; rather, it was a top hit in social media. Residents recorded related  events and posted them online. When the videos or pictures were transmitted on TV, it was stated that residents were the ones who took them, since reporters weren’t allowed on the premise of Ferguson.

The entirety of what happened in Ferguson showed me the importance of social media and technology.

Much more than justice can be wrought through social media and technology. Students from local universities such as FIU and Barry agree that social media allows long distance relationships to work since it allows  couples to speak to each other on a daily basis despite being apart. Technology is also a  way to get into the stock market, thereby benefitting business majors or individuals interested in business or negotiations. Social media allows individuals to keep abreast of what transpires around the world and organizations to advertise and promote themselves.

For all its good, social media can also do harm when it creates a false sense of connection. Social media and technology don’t yet allow for individuals to feel, touch, or have chemistry with one another. Perhaps the future will bring about these updates, but for the time being, I recognize and appreciate the power of social media and how it positively impacts our daily lives.

Ultimately, technology and social media are very powerful and useful components of modern life.