How has media effected us as a society? Is this positive or negative?

With all things, you have to out weigh the good and the bad. Social media is no different. Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can keep society updated in current events in a matter of seconds.

In a way, we all can be journalists with our media apps. We can be in the middle of a protest and see exactly whats going on with someones video tweet. Where as before, we would have to wait for the morning edition of the newspaper or morning news.

The New York Times article, “How Facebook is Changing the way Its Users Consume Journalism” by Ravi Somaiya talks about how algorithm is used through search engines and social media to show what the user wants to read.

“The social media company is increasingly becoming to the news business what Amazon is to book publishing,” Somaiya said.

On the other hand, social media can be harmful if not used properly. Anthony Weiner, former Congressman of New York, was forced to resign after the first of what would be many sexting scandals were made public.

Sexting “Sending, receiving, or forwarding sexual explicit messages, photos, or images via cellphone, computer, or other digital device.” American Academy of Pediatrics.

This problem doesn’t occur only to political figures, it also involves everyday people, especially teens. Sexting as a teen can lead child pornography charges, school suspensions and emotional distress.

It doesn’t stop with sexting, cyber-bulling and privacy issues also comes with social media. This happens to both adults and teenagers. You can never be too careful with what you put online.

Cyber-bulling, can lead to depression and even suicide if not handled quickly or correctly.

In most cases, social media can be a great thing to have. You just have to be well informed of what it can bring.