I keep hearing two distinguishing voices about social media. Some complain that social media has negative impact on individual users and the society as a whole because people can become very addicted to it and there is no sense of privacy in the cyber world. Others think highly about social media because people can use social media to promote business, find jobs, solve crimes, and remain connected with friends and family. Which school of thoughts makes sense to you?
To me, they all make sound arguments. I see social media as a “neutral” tool. If people do not understand social media or fail to use it in an appropriate way, it could be very harmful. At the same time, social media can certainly become very useful, depending on how we use it.
The following news videos, for example, provide some great examples of how social media can make positive impact. As featured in the first, CBS news video, NextDoor is a new entrepreneurship venture that keeps people connected with their neighbors. On NextDoor.com, people can seek support from neighbors and remain informed of what is happening in the neighborhood without knocking on people’s doors. According to the second, MSNBC news video, police departments are relying more on social media, especially YouTube in solving crimes.
So, what is your opinion on social media? Is social media a good thing or a bad thing?
Relevant discussions:
The CBS News video about Nextdoor:
The MSNBC News video about more police departments adopting social media in solving crimes:
References: The picture was downloaded from TightMixBlog.com.
