By Dayra Rodriguez
How hooked are we really to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter? In this day and age, it’s very difficult to escape social media, we more often than not see people everywhere talking about what happened on Facebook and what he or she tweeted about. I recently took a survey about eight women and three men and their day to day usage of popular social media (SM) sites; focusing on how social media plays a role in their life. I found that interviewing my peers to be an interesting experience, reading their responses were fascinating because they all had different things to say about social media sites and yet, they had similar views.
Between these nine individuals under the age of 20 years, the average age they started using Social Media sites was about 14 years old, majority using Myspace first. Now in recent times, though some still have a Myspace account but rarely use it; they primary site they use now is Facebook. Facebook, most said, is usually open on a tab on their browsers and some even have Facebook signed on even on their IPod. Very few of them also have a Facebook for their phones, which Regina Mckenzie even said she didn’t like her phone bill going up.
Both of the two older women have used social media for less than two years. One used it for personal use and the other said strictly professional.
Only one of the 20 year old participants used a site for professional usage, LinkedIn. Erick Torres says,” LinkedIn has been a really useful site for me to build some sort of professional credibility and networking skills.”
As I interviewed these people, they all had an interesting outlook on what they like and disliked about social media sites. Ten out of the 11 said they like how they could communicate with their loved ones and friends through social media sites no matter how far or long it has been since they've spoke/seen to each other. They are all updated without having to call every day. The other said they don’t have an opinion because she spends minimum time on the sites.
“It has helped improve relationships with people who I didn't know very well.” Jennifer Gunter says she prefers giving the site URL instead of her personal phone number because that is more private.
One thing I did notice was they all seem to have more dislikes than what they do like.
Three of the interviewee’s felt that they can’t help what others write on their pages or pictures they are tagged in. They also didn’t like the constant updating/ blabber (“I just took a shower!”). Aurea Rodriguez thinks that most of the time what people post is not of any importance or relevant so she doesn’t answer.
Three of the women interviewee’s don’t like people who they don’t know, miss, or like stalk and being able to find them. Lindsey Rivera said she didn’t like when random men try to add her and she says,” You don’t know me. I will not add you.” Rivera also thinks it’s creepy when a guy says,” I am adding you bc (because) you’re cute."
Some were even concerned for what everyone is exposed to especially young children. There is an age recommendation on all sites but that’s not going to stop children but the fact is a lot of stuff on these sites are geared toward older teenagers and young adults says Jennifer Gunter.
“It’s very easy to get "sucked in" and caught up with others lives that you become emotionally/mentally unhealthy and lose focus on your own life”, says Torres.
Surprisingly enough, the majority said that using social media causes people to get socially disconnected from people and less face-to-face interaction which is necessary for good health.
If there is more negatives than what is really good, why are we so hooked on these sites? Many may say that the very little good outweighs the bad.
I knew after my friend set me up on Myspace that I’d be hooked. Now, I have a Facebook account; I like to know how my old friends are doing and knowing about upcoming events. These sites are here and as far as I can tell, they won’t be leaving anytime soon. Just be mindful of the dangers these sites bring. We can’t turn our back on them so enjoy them now.
How hooked are you?
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