Monday, June 24, 2013
Social Media & Truth
Normally, when I check my phone for newsworthy information, I make sure that it is from a reliable source such as CNN, ABC or a reputable magazine for example. If not that, I see if it comes from a reliable person to spread information such as a Journalist or well known public figure. If the story interests me enough then I pull up Google to research or fact-check the story.
Prime example, one thing in particular that I learned while logging into my accounts was that the opening arguments of the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case was starting today. I found this information out my logging on to my Instagram account and looking at a picture that one of my followers took of their television screen. I, then turned to channel to HLN to see the case as it was premiering live. Social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter keep up in tune with the world. This is especially beneficial for News Journalists because when news breaks they can instantly post brief content on their page without waiting to write the whole story in detail before word gets out. Social media can not be avoided for this reason. Getting reliable sources of information all depends on who you are following on social media sites. Put another way, the addiction to social media does not have to have a negative impact on your life if you continue to learn more about the world each day by influential figures.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Influence of the media
I use several forms of media each day. To start my day off before even getting out of bed I use my smartphone to log in to Instagram. With a simple graze of my finger I can look into to other people's lifestyles as if I am reading the morning paper. I see some of my peers posting philosophical quotes from famous authors and others would simply take basic pictures of themselves to start the day wherever they are at the time. None of it however, gives me a sense of enlightenment before getting up, it's simply entertainment. Knowing this doesn't stop me from then logging into Facebook as well afterwards and doing the same thing. The Social media dopamine addiction would leave someone like me disappointed to know that I didn't receive any messages or notifications.
So finally, I get out of bed. I turn on the television to see if any familiar movies are on. Instead of searching for something new I tune into to a show/movie that I've seen millions of times. Therefore, my mind is still dormant. While i'm simultaneously watching television I am constantly checking my email, Facebook, and Instagram accounts awaiting for something to breathe life into my day. Have you ever heard the term "Don't wait for someone else to make your life happen?" well, that's me on a very casual day. I use media to spark interest into my life. So if I come across a friend posting an invitation to a party later that day, I tune in to 98.5 on the radio is I put my car into gear and head there. It is almost as if you are in competition with your friend's list. I sometimes feel that I am trying to keep up with the latest entertainment so I do spend countless hours watching other people "appear" to have the time of their lives on social media.
The perspective my events such as my friend's gathering appears to be the greatest thing into the world at that moment. This is because some people, including myself have become so wrapped into new media that we have traded in our hobbies and personal interests to have the appearance of a celebrity lifestyle by showing others how extravagant we are and how much fun we can be. However, who are we trying to please? Our Friends? Family? Strangers? We have we become some wrapped into the lives of people that we don't even know that well? This I feel is a negative influence that some of us are picking up because we are constantly seeking validation or conformation of our daily routine. Years before Facebook or these other forms of new media were established, we didn't need to validate our existence to complete strangers as much, or at least not through the internet.
After my day finishes and I arrive back in bed, I use the pictures I posted of sometimes irrelevant moments to recap my day. At other times at log back in to my account(s) to see if it were anything that I missed from "Sarah's" day. Who is Sarah?...my point exactly.
So finally, I get out of bed. I turn on the television to see if any familiar movies are on. Instead of searching for something new I tune into to a show/movie that I've seen millions of times. Therefore, my mind is still dormant. While i'm simultaneously watching television I am constantly checking my email, Facebook, and Instagram accounts awaiting for something to breathe life into my day. Have you ever heard the term "Don't wait for someone else to make your life happen?" well, that's me on a very casual day. I use media to spark interest into my life. So if I come across a friend posting an invitation to a party later that day, I tune in to 98.5 on the radio is I put my car into gear and head there. It is almost as if you are in competition with your friend's list. I sometimes feel that I am trying to keep up with the latest entertainment so I do spend countless hours watching other people "appear" to have the time of their lives on social media.
The perspective my events such as my friend's gathering appears to be the greatest thing into the world at that moment. This is because some people, including myself have become so wrapped into new media that we have traded in our hobbies and personal interests to have the appearance of a celebrity lifestyle by showing others how extravagant we are and how much fun we can be. However, who are we trying to please? Our Friends? Family? Strangers? We have we become some wrapped into the lives of people that we don't even know that well? This I feel is a negative influence that some of us are picking up because we are constantly seeking validation or conformation of our daily routine. Years before Facebook or these other forms of new media were established, we didn't need to validate our existence to complete strangers as much, or at least not through the internet.
After my day finishes and I arrive back in bed, I use the pictures I posted of sometimes irrelevant moments to recap my day. At other times at log back in to my account(s) to see if it were anything that I missed from "Sarah's" day. Who is Sarah?...my point exactly.
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