Well since there doesn't seem to be an opposition, I'll contribute. I'll also be playing the devils advocate at times. You may never know when or you might be keen enough to recognize it. I wouldn't consider myself part of the most "modern" generation, (I'm 22) but I certainly interact enough with social media, the Internet, etc, to understand. On the other hand I did grow up with much less technology than what is available to today's youth. Yes, you don't have to be 40+ to understand Dial-up, calling home phones, etc. I'd consider myself and those who are closely aged somewhat of a middle ground. Somewhat.
Anyway shifting towards the idea of Social Media. I believe humans have an innate yearn for acceptance or validation of their actions. I think this is actually a proven study? Really not sure, could me speaking out of my ass, but it goes along with how a few of you mentioned that some children are seemingly deprived of their social interaction in the earlier stages of growing up. Well, as you probably already guessed Social Media can be an outlet for that. Think about it. We, as humans, now have the ability to share plans, photographs, location, meals, etc, as descriptive or vague as the user would like. Some of that stuff might seem silly to most of you. Well probably because it would be a little silly to describe the mac 'n cheese meal you ate fifteen minutes ago. People still do that though. However, think about all the absolutely great things people have shared through social media: Tutorials, inspiring quotes, awareness for uncommon illnesses. I mean, there's people around the world who can now communicate, strictly through Social Media, to those who may be depressed and on the edge of wanting to take their own life. Those few items, to me, completely make Social Media worth it.
Now, to talk about the part that seems to rustle the Jimmies of most older individuals. "Back in my day I had to [this and that]." It's always about what they had to do when they were younger. Is that hunt for likes or favorites really all that different? If we dive in and compare the want for likes versus sharing photos saved on your old 8mm, are you going to notice vast differences or slight nuances? Let's compare. You had brought over a bunch of family and friends to take a look at some slide show photos and videos from your recent vacation in Madagascar. However to your surprise only your grandfather and sister enjoyed the slideshow. Everyone else thought it was just okay and maybe even kind of bad. Well, I for sure might be in a slightly worse mood after I went through the trouble to invite everyone over and received that kind of reaction. Same way when someone younger shares a "fun and exciting" photo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. They had high hopes and were seemingly let down. I don't think it takes Social Media to teach someone how that feels. What about telephones? The even older generation would say that's causing issues because they don't even need to remain in person to carry on a conversation. I mean, can you even imagine the thoughts going through the minds of some folks as the Internet was unveiled. Holy cow, the ability to share things with people you haven't even met. How could that ever be a good idea? Well, here we are.
Also, I don't want to touch the topic of deception with a 10 foot pole. Social Media may, and I say may lightly, have made it easier to do so, but it in no way started deception. Angles for beauty photos, old newspaper dating ads, and just deceptive or false advertising photos have existed since the creation of the technology that allows it.
Is Social Media an issue? Does it cause social anxiety? Do the younger generations have new or worsening issues that older generations may not have had? Who knows. What I will say though is I believe a lot of the disapproval for Social Media or the 'issues' it causes is from a fundamental lack of understanding. Just like I will never understand what it was like to sit in my living room for the first time and turn on the great black and white TV. Some of you will never understand what it is like growing up with a phone in your hand that has the ability to connect to millions of others through Social Media. It seems like a trend, each generation criticizes the next one for whatever reason. Here's the thing, technology has advanced vastly over the last century, let alone the last decade. It's mostly made things easier for most people and has overall enhanced the living experiences for most people in the world. The over-consumption of Social Media is just a kink in the hose, a bump in the road, a one horse town, a setback, whatever you want to call it. I don't think this generational transition period is any different than the ones that came before. These things take time and given enough time and enough patience, all will end well.
Okay wow, that was more than I expected. I guess that's my /end rant
