The general definition of social media is correct, but the average person doesn't recognize the general definition. I define social media as a virtual gathering of individuals to discuss personal and interpersonal topics, as well as to share information with one another.
The problem I have with the term social media is that most of the platforms labeled as social media sites have little to do with "media". The term "media" always stood for the "news media". These were the people that presented the news and important information that we as a people needed to know. We now have an entire generation that believes watching 30 second clips of people dancing is "media", instead of recognizing it simply as entertainment.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social gathering websites like them have replaced the true media websites like latimes.com, dallasnews.com, miamiherald.com, just to name a few. This belief that social gathering websites are a legitimate source of information has allowed counter-intel groups and hate groups to spread false information and create racial tension in our country. The fact that longstanding reputable journalist are now being labeled as "fake news", while a random person calling themselves 'Q' can lead millions of people into a world of hatred and misinformation is extremely disturbing.
We're living in a day and age in which we need to clearly redefine what is reality. There's too many people being allowed to create fake personas and lead people into situations that in the end turn out to be negative outcomes for millions of others.
No comments:
Post a Comment