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.
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.
It's the same thing as bullying. I remember when I was younger, and bullying never seemed as pervasive as it does now, as well covered and documented. The reason for that is because of social medias, where students are now bullying and with the greater anonymity of hiding behind a computer screen has caused it to become more vicious. Social medias have shown everyone the problems that have always existed, so that they can be addressed properly, and students can be taught about the permanence of their actions. It's going to reach a point where future employers, when searching job applicant's Facebook/Twitter accounts will be able to see comments that are left by the applicant, and be able to judge if that's someone that will gel with the team that's already in place. If the applicant has left a trail of bullying or sarcasm (even amongst friends, which to outsiders that can appear as cruelty), is that someone that the corporation can risk hiring for fear of future lawsuits?
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteExcellent observations. I especially like how you analyze Facebook's function in your life, how you interpret it vs. others. It made me think about lenses and how we each perceive "X" through our own individual lense.
Carl,
On the subject of bullying, too often we hear news that it is not only the children who are more brazen bullying via social media, but also their parents. It seems unlikely that children will understand the weight of their words and actions when their parents are examples of the bullying "everyone" wants to stop.
Julie