Social Media Synthesis Essay

Society’s dependence on technology has both benefited and damaged the community. Interpersonal communication has drastically changed, and people are beginning to rely on technology rather than face to face communication. Technology has created efficiency for American society, but the creation of social media has evoked derogatory conditions for individuals. Social media is an outlet for teenagers to escape from the pressures of day to day life. However, some teenagers use social media as a way to anonymously hide behind a computer or phone screen and bully others. The recent expansion of technology has caused society to become devoted to the internet because social media and technology have evolved, society craves communication, and technology
This yearning for technology can be good or destructive for people. For example, some people “fear that sexual predators will befriend unsuspecting teenagers via Facebook or MySpace. Others point to the possibility of identity theft and believe that social networking sites might erode real-life friendships or cause obesity” (Introduction to Are Social Networking Sites Harmful?: At Issue). Some parents have created fake social media accounts and have tried to befriend their children to see if their children would add a complete stranger on social media. Parents who have created these accounts have found out just how dangerous social media can be when their children are willing to communicate with complete strangers. People can easily change their status on Facebook or Twitter, and they can even add their location for anyone to see. However, sites are making efforts to create a safe environment, and “these efforts provide further support to existing ways of preventing and punishing cyberbullying, including government intervention, school policies, and family monitoring and awareness” (Mendoza). Social networking sites are creating procedures to stand up, act out against, and report bullying. Although social media was where cyberbullying began, there are now sites that are enforcing procedures for cyberbullies to be stopped. These
This power can be exploited in a variety of ways. Teenagers feel empowered to share their opinions on a social issue, such as politics. They also feel entitled to use technology as a way to hide behind a phone screen and share anonymous threats or compliments to other people. Behind a phone screen, teenagers feel more empowered, so “many patients use texting as a form of pseudo-intimacy and distraction from the present moment -- whether it is a moment with another person or oneself” (Tethered to Technology). Texting is a way for teenagers to feel like they are in control of situations. However, the power and control felt from using technology has created dangers to society. For example, texting and driving has become a serious issue in America. Technology has opened a door to identity theft and many other dangers. No matter what it may be to, addiction can be a scary thing; but, “addiction is addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs or cellphones” (Tethered to Technology). Every person likes to feel like they are in control sometimes; however, this sense of control has led society to become addicted to having authority. While people are engrossed in their cell phones, they are oblivious to the people and actions going on around them. To most people, “the phone tore down the walls of privacy even as it helped create a ‘general