Social Networking… Saving Lives or Destroying Them?

By Dana Jacoviello

When we think back to the stone ages, which was about ten years ago, social media was still in the early stages of becoming the beacon of success, friendships, relationships, careers, networking, business, and so on and so forth. It almost seems surreal that we actually relied on anything else to get information. It is safe to say that people probably spent less time on the Internet ten years ago. The social networking super highway of technology has become an obsession. At work, at home, and even in the street people are texting, posting, and tweeting. There is not a device that we don’t own that provides these capabilities no matter where we are. Well, maybe with the exception of a deserted island. If you ever noticed, when people are posed with the question of what they would bring if ever stranded on an island, the first thing they usually say is their cell phone, computer, or iPad. Yeah, I am not sure how well those things would work out there. As far as we know, they have yet to build towers out that far.

We spend too much time on the computer and social networking sites. Nobody can deny this fact. The days of going out into the fresh air, enjoying nature, and participating in outdoor activities are becoming less and less enjoyable. The kids today are focused on what children of the 70s, 80s, and even some of the 90s did not even have. How many ten-year-olds walked around with iPhones, tablets, iPods, iPads, and laptops? Of course not all existed, but cell phones, other MP3 players, and computers did. We were too busy running around outside, playing sports, climbing trees, and doing anything and everything outdoors. Actual conversations took place rather than all this texting. Conversations are now through instant messaging and text messaging, and different apps that let us share pictures and videos. Video chat is making a comeback. Let’s be honest, it is a real addiction. The so-called “words” iPhone, iPod, and iPad are in the spelling dictionary of Microsoft. That says it all right there. We laugh, but there are real words that can’t be found. Not sure if it is sad or just a changing of the times.

The question is, is it better or worse that kids are glued to the television, video games, cell phones, and computers? The obesity epidemic is proof that it might not be. Parents should be monitoring activity as well. There are firm believers out there that children of a certain age should not venture into the social media world. Children should be taught to stay active and healthy. It is apparent that there are far too much sedentary activities going on; however, let’s look at the flip side of the coin.

It is not all bad. Technology is a good thing, and we all enjoy it thoroughly. As adults we have all the same gadgets as children do. They provide a wide array of positive outlets. They give a voice when one can’t speak, it is a place to vent, connect with friends, make new friends, reach out, stay anonymous, communicate in a more comfortable way and setting. It is a learning tool, and the list goes on and on. The Internet is a fascinating place. Everything is at our fingertips. It also saves lives. For instance, people will look up information on the Internet that will turn them on to going to the doctor and catching something early. A child or teen might post a video or blog about being bullied. A person might post or tweet something that just doesn’t sound right to someone and they notify the proper authorities.

You hear from different generations how culture and communication is going the wrong way. Kids today don’t know how to use a library or read a clock that is not digital. It is a shame that they are going to grow up not knowing how to properly socialize and know how to do things the traditional and old fashioned way. They feel both are equally important.

Basically, there is a very fine line on the subject. Just as there are two sides to a coin, there is always good and bad. It all depends on which one you feed the most. To put it simply, there should be a healthy and happy balance for all involved.