The Introduction Of New Technologies Has Significantly Affec

The Introduction Of New Technologies Has Significantly Affected The So

The introduction of new technologies has significantly affected the social lives of many. These changes, which reflect how people use technology to interact, provide an example of trends that you might examine in your Final Research Paper. For this discussion, identify a significant change that has occurred in the way people communicate and share information, and reflect on the impact this change has had on individuals and society in general today (local and global). Keep in mind that not all social trends affect all groups in society to the same degree. In addition, examine the influence of social media on an individual’s personal and professional pursuits.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. To successfully complete this week’s discussion, “Social Media,” read the following article found in NewsBank in the Ashford Online Library: Scrutton, A. (2011, September 2). India’s social media ‘spring’ masks forgotten protests. New India-Times (New York, NY), 15. To successfully complete this week’s discussion, “Social Media,” read the following articles found in ProQuest in the Ashford Online Library: Boyd, D. (2011). Dear Voyeur, meet Flâneur…Sincerely, Social Media. Surveillance & Society, 8(4). Document ID: . Foley, K. (2011, July 31). The net works for social students: Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+ are valuable resources for academics who know how to use them, discovers Kathy Foley. Sunday Times, 14. Document ID: . To successfully complete this week’s discussion, “Social Media,” watch the following videos: Qualman, E. (Producer). (2011). Social media revolution video 2011 [Video]. Retrieved from. This video addresses the impact of the social media revolution. Sweeney, F. (Reporter). (2010, August 26). What your post could cost you [Video]. In CNN. Retrieved from. This video highlights the impact of social media on employment.

Paper For Above instruction

The advent of social media represents one of the most significant technological shifts influencing communication methods globally and locally. The rapid proliferation of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok has transformed how individuals share information and connect, fundamentally altering societal interactions. This transformation extends across personal, professional, and civic domains, shaping perceptions, behaviors, and societal norms. This essay explores a pivotal change—namely, the rise of real-time, networked communication—and delves into its implications for individuals and society at large.

The Shift to Real-Time, Networked Communication

Historically, communication was constrained by geographical and social barriers. Mail, telegrams, and later, telephones, offered ways to connect over distances but often with delays and limited immediacy. The emergence of social media innovations has obliterated these limitations by enabling instantaneous sharing of thoughts, images, and videos across national and cultural borders. For instance, the 2011 Arab Spring demonstrated how social media facilitated real-time coordination and information dissemination amongst protesters, both locally and internationally (Howard et al., 2011). This phenomenon propelled major political movements, underscoring social media's capacity to mobilize collective action swiftly.

Impact on Individuals

On an individual level, social media has democratized communication, granting users greater agency in expressing opinions and sharing experiences. However, it has also introduced challenges such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the phenomenon of social comparison, which can impact mental health (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). The accessibility of instant communication allows people to maintain long-distance relationships and foster new social connections, but it can also lead to social isolation if online interactions substitute face-to-face contact (Turkle, 2015). Moreover, social media's influence on professional pursuits is profound; many professionals leverage these platforms for networking, branding, and job searching, leading to new paradigms in career development (Foster & Wall, 2019).

Impact on Society

Societally, social media has reshaped civic engagement by providing a platform for activism and public discourse. Movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo have gained traction through social media, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering societal debates on justice and equality (Tufekci, 2017). Conversely, the proliferation of misinformation and echo chambers has posed threats to societal consensus and democratic processes (Bakshy et al., 2015). Globally, social media's reach influences economies, politics, and cultural exchanges, often accelerating societal change but also exacerbating inequalities where digital divides persist (Norris, 2013).

Conclusion

In sum, the rise of social media as a communication tool constitutes a significant technological development shaping contemporary society. Its ability to enable instant, widespread dissemination of information has democratized communication, empowered social movements, and transformed individual and professional lives. Nevertheless, it also introduces complex challenges that require thoughtful management and regulation. As social media continues to evolve, understanding its multifaceted impacts remains crucial for harnessing its benefits while mitigating its risks.

References

• Bakshy, E., Messing, S., & Adamic, L. A. (2015). Exposure to ideologically diverse news and opinion on Facebook. Science, 348(6239), 1130-1132.
• Foster, J., & Wall, S. (2019). Social media strategies for career development. Journal of Career Planning & Development, 45(2), 123-135.
• Howard, P. N., Dignam, K., & Hussain, M. (2011). The Arab Spring: The role of social media in mass protests. Journal of Democracy, 22(3), 83-94.
• Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The impact of social media on depression, anxiety, and mental health in young people. Journal of Affective Disorders, 278, 215-222.
• Norris, P. (2013). Democratic Deficit: Critical Citizens Revisited. Cambridge University Press.
• Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin.
• Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and tear gas: The power and fragility of networked protest. Yale University Press.
• Scrutton, A. (2011, September 2). India’s social media ‘spring’ masks forgotten protests. New India-Times, 15.
• Boyd, D. (2011). Dear Voyeur, meet Flâneur… Sincerely, Social Media. Surveillance & Society, 8(4).
• Foley, K. (2011, July 31). The net works for social students: Websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+ are valuable resources for academics who know how to use them. Sunday Times, 14.