Digital Learning 10 – Social Media and Me
Section 1: Article – Confusion is the point
- How have social media platforms changed the way we consume and understand information?
People tend to just read headlines and they don’t seek out the truth of the information that is presented. A video or quote can be taken out of context and used for opposite purposes than was originally intended. People are a bit lazy, but continue to go back to social media again and again to satisfy a never-ending quest for more.
Section 2: Ted Talk
- What value do you get from online social interactions?
You feel like you’re in the know and more connected with people, like celebrities, who are harder to reach without social media. Information is power, and having information to share with others is beneficial. To be the source of information, or to be “in the know” with the latest intel, will create more followers/friends/etc. It is an instant boost to self-esteem when people like or share your post.
- How is social media and social capital helping form youth culture?
Some youth culture is formed around social media and how many “likes” or the number of followers you get. Some people post videos and comments just to get “likes” and shares from strangers. Real friends may not be as valued. There is also a growing addiction to social media for youth. The more likes and followers, the better someone feels. If a post doesn’t get very many likes, their self-esteem can be effected.
Section 3: Black Mirror
- Do you see any similarities between the world presenting in this video and the world you live in?
People are shamed for going outside the norm and not following the rest of society (not following the crowd). There is a pressure to stay trendy. The people who are more popular/famous have more luxuries. There is also a public appetite for the constant posts from popular/famous people.
- How does the main character gain and lose points? Why are the points important to her? What value might be derived from this type of social interaction?
She gains points by being overly nice and friendly, but she loses points by making mistakes, being human and being herself. The points are important to her so that she can get a better job, with higher pay, and then get a better place to live. Everyone is fake, there is no genuine interactions, all in the name of getting further ahead in society. And there is a lot of competition.
- How are social interactions changed in the world of these clips?
No one can be themselves, nothing controversial can be posted or discussed, and everyone needs to trend carefully around everyone else. They want to be liked and don’t want to make waves or cause someone else to feel uncomfortable (essentially baby proofing or bubble-wrapping social interactions and society).