Social Networking and Stabilization

The greatest way social media has changed the world is perhaps the most obvious. After all it was/is Zuckerberg’s goal to create a more connected world. With the popularity of social media we have become more connected in more ways than one.

The video we watched in class explained, while the world population is growing the “traditional” separations are dissolving. As I watch the NFC championship game, I am reminded of social media’s ability to connect us - watching the game and my Twitter feed with equal fervor.  During the World Cup I recall watching USA verses Germany.  Although I was able to watch the game from my couch, I was also able to use social media to connect with fans from both teams.  I remember getting into some friendly banter with a fan across the pond over whose Goal Keeper was better (the USA goal keeper, Tim Howard is probably the only “world class player” we have); yet I was able express my opinion from my home to another fan somewhere across the Atlantic Ocean.

This is a simple example shows how social media changes the world; making us more connected. 

Geography no longer dictates who we corresponded with. 

It is exciting that from the comfort of my own living room I can talk to anyone in the world; making the revelation that we are only three degrees (three people) away from anyone is also scary. Understanding how small the world has become - as radical ideologues take hold rabidly across all sides of the spectrum - from the comfort of my own couch because I am only three people away from anyone, is also sobering.  The saying, “With great power comes great responsibility;” making the ability to connect with virtually anyone in the world creates ramifications no one thought possible only ten years ago.

Social media has shaped the world bay making us more connected to ideas, beliefs and trends of others that can go viral and connect or change the world.

The Ice-bucket challenge is a great example. Whether you agreed with it or not - it connected the world - as seemingly, everyone dumped a bucket of ice over their heads. (I watched as friends from all over the world participated.). Planking and Tebowing are other trends that have united the world - as we lied down or took a knee in all kinds of places.

Unfortunately the trends that shape the world are not always light hearted. ISIS and the Twitter trends we saw during the recent attacks in France divided the world; as everyone is weighing from all sides, sparking conversation or - in the case of ISIS - people taking up arms and leaving their home countries to fight for either side.

The power to communicate and share ideas with everyone will unite or divided the world. Which one? Only time will tell.