The Web as a Social Media
It started with IRC, then ICQ, then invites to MSN messenger, followed by invites to Friendster and most recently, Facebook. And these are just those that I am aware of (and I am hardly an Internet sort of person). The internet has long been used as a social networking tool because of the immediacy of which messages could be sent and received. Chatrooms are a great way to stay in touch with people whom one does not see very often, and the best thing is you don't have to pay for exorbitant long-distance phone bills, just the electricity bill. Social network websites are even better, as they allow you to view pictures of these people, as well as boast of various other features which are interesting to the newly initiated. However, I do feel that all good things must come to an end, and as much as these innoations are to be commended, I also believe that there are disadvantages to living one's life online.
I feel that the main downside to using the web as a social media is that it completely removes the concept of being 'social'. Isn't the whole idea of being social to interact with people? And by interacting, I mean face-to-face and not through a monitor. If anything, I feel that social networking sites have served to make us more distant instead of closer, as originally intended. Nowadays, people feel that by Superpoking your friend, or sending an e-card, it is a gesture of affection and concern. But what has happened then, to the warmth of having an actual person's company or the delight of receiving an actual card made of paper in the mail? Many do not have the chance to experience such 'primitive' aspects of life anymore.
Therefore, as much as the internet has brought us 'closer', I personally feel that it has more than served to distance us from the true meaning of experiencing social life at its best.
I feel that the main downside to using the web as a social media is that it completely removes the concept of being 'social'. Isn't the whole idea of being social to interact with people? And by interacting, I mean face-to-face and not through a monitor. If anything, I feel that social networking sites have served to make us more distant instead of closer, as originally intended. Nowadays, people feel that by Superpoking your friend, or sending an e-card, it is a gesture of affection and concern. But what has happened then, to the warmth of having an actual person's company or the delight of receiving an actual card made of paper in the mail? Many do not have the chance to experience such 'primitive' aspects of life anymore.
Therefore, as much as the internet has brought us 'closer', I personally feel that it has more than served to distance us from the true meaning of experiencing social life at its best.