Week 6: Social Media Effects - "Digital Footprints"

One of the themes discussed this week was the capabilities and the effects that the internet has on democracy. In the video, “Digital Youth, Social Movements and Democracy Brazil” by Raquel Recuero, the issues and impacts that social networking sites specifically have on youth, was very informative. Recuero discussed the different ways that social networking sites have contributed to the youth of Brazil. “Social network sites are allowing people to connect, share information, exchange ideas and create social movements”. The idea and manner in which social networking sites can improve communication and activism in Brazil, is not much different from the associations that American youth also have with social networking sites. Before watching the video, I have always felt that Facebook is not the place to share political or other controversial feelings. I understand that those feeling are because of how I interpret Facebook and the role that it plays in my life. For a lot of people, it is an outlet – they feel freer to speak their minds regarding any issue. I definitely think in some ways Facebook could certainly be used as a way to make change politically or at least have your voice heard when it might have otherwise been ignored, when used effectively. 

Although youth have the opportunity to use these types of sites to have a positive impact on their community, there have been issues of negativity becoming more prominent. Recuero explained that, “social media has become the vehicle for all types of discursive violence”. She stressed that this type of language has been basically ignored because it has been masked as humor. I think she definitely put a different perspective on the fact that many of us find things that are funny or offensive, but assume that because our intentions are not out of malice it is okay. I think we all need to be more cautious and aware of the things we put out, especially into the digital world because they are permanent and can never be erased.

Recuero also made a valid point in saying that, “There is potential for good in online social networks…and social media isn't creating the problem, its exposing the problem”. We can’t blame everything on social media. There have always been prejudices, bullying, and people saying and doing disrespectful things. Social media has just become another outlet for those negative and inappropriate behaviors to be expressed. The unfortunate aspect is that this outlet allows that type of information to be immediately widespread; it is not just telling one person – it is telling millions or an entire group at once. We are already aware that because of the negative issues that have become common within social media interaction and communication, most schools have completely eliminated it altogether, instead of addressing the issues and presenting ways to use social media properly and still have access. “There is a need for intervention to guide youth in terms of their digital footprints”. We have to make an effort to teach and explain the impacts, whether positive or negative, that the internet can have and also how to go about using it appropriately and effectively.