Jarrett 1

Adele Jarrett
Ms. Caruso
UWRT 1103
November 17, 2015
Social Media
Social media plays a major role in the human daily practices now more than ever. The
majority of people now receive their day to day news via social media, interact through social
media platforms, and enact change through the fast spread of information. The use of social
media contains various positive aspects yet there are various negative aspects as well. Taking
both sides into account draws an intriguing argument that is worth discussing. However, after
conducting a great deal of research it is easy to see that social media is secretly damaging todays
society. Although it has technologically advanced society and has made certain aspects of life
much more simple, simple is not always better. Through the fast spread of information comes
false information. Additionally, being connected at all times makes it easy to be distracted in
classroom settings, thus making learning even more challenging (Bellur et al par 6). It is even
changing how we view our relationships with society and others, and it is destroying face to face
communication.
Social media provides quick and easy access for groups and individuals to become
informed and updated on current events. It also provides society an efficient platform to express
their thoughts, ideas and opinions that they see as true. However, the ability to spread false
information is faster and easier as well. Yet, there are those that argue that the false information
found on social media is relatively insignificant as opposed to major world issues. An online
scholarly article written by Leticia Bode goes against this argument stating that, social media

Jarrett 2
propagates unconfirmed or untrue information upon which people rely in a crisis situation
(Keim & Noji as qtd. Bode par. 1). Additionally, research on misinformation has resulted in
several clear takeaways. Citizens are misinformed about foreign policy (Gershkoff & Kushner,
2005), domestic policy (Jerit & Barabas, 2012), and scientific policies (Leiserowitz, Maibach,
Roser-Renouf, & Hmielowski, 2011) (Bode et al par. 6). To side with Bodes first statement
would be biased without her follow-up statement. This is because the follow-up statement in
Bodes article derives from facts found through research instead of mere opinion. Nevertheless,
arguments on this subject continue. In fact, they even extend in the same article, given its daily
presence in many users' lives, social media may also offer an opportunity to combat
misinformation (Bode et al par. 2). Looking at this objectively, the spread of false information is
equivalent to spreading rumors. This act can take a toll on personal life as well, with social media
influencing different aspects of peoples lives. Moreover, the rate of suicide has increased due to
cyber-bullying, a product of social change.
Many individuals in society use social media as a tool to express their ideas, beliefs,
opinions and experiences. However, this beautiful tool can be harmful depending on its user.
The act of bullying has always existed but social media has increased this act, known as cyberbullying. According to author Krystine Batcho, not only has the web increased bullying but it,
takes place in a more extreme way over social media because the authors feel no responsibility
(qtd. in Graham par. 5). A scholarly article written by Rina Bonanno expands upon Batchos
claim when she says that, perpetrators of cyber bullying enjoy a degree of anonymity and
invisibility that is not always possible with more traditional or face-to-face forms of bullying,
and which also can make them less aware of the impact of their behavior on victims (Bonanno
par. 7). Bonanno also shows the relationship in the links between victims of cyber bullying,

Jarrett 3
depression, and suicidal ideation. Research proves that victims of cyber bullying are most likely
to become depressed and have suicidal thoughts more so than victims of traditional bullying
(Bonanno par. 1). However, there are many that use the beauty of social media for the greater
good. For example, many strive to put an end to all forms of bullying. Hyesun Hwang, author of
a scholarly article, says that, social movements can be efficient and effective via social media in
two respects. First, social media users may contribute to globalized social movements by
conveying messages to a broad audience. Second, social media empower users to generate
messages that urge new activations (Hwang par. 16). It is obvious that social media allows more
people to participate in social movements now than ever before, but I questioned the importance
in the number of participants in social movements. Reading further in Hwangs article, critics
bring attention to the fact that, through social media people may join social movements without
substantial commitment and thereby remain passive users rather than active members (Earl and
Schussman, 2003; Van Laer and Van Aelst, 2010) (Hwang par. 18). It is easy to side with these
critics considering the importance of quality over quantity. Putting yourself in a social media
users shoes, it is easy to see why they want to get on board with a good cause. With that being
said, there are many external distractions that come with social media, which may explain the
lack of commitment. These traits are displayed through students and their various interests more
than ever before.
While many argue that social media enhances students learning, others argue that social
media diminishes it. Beginning with the latter, students grade point averages are decreasing due
to the multiple distractions of social media. When multiple distractions are going on in the
classroom, a students focus is shifting back and forth. This act requires them to learn the
material outside of the classroom independently, thus making it hard for students to maintain

Jarrett 4
their grades (Bellur par. 7). Yet social media continues to distract students outside of the
classroom. Results from a non-scholarly source suggest that, students who use social media had
an average GPA of 3.06 while non-users had an average GPA of 3.82 (Pro & Con Arguments
sec. 3). However, author Elizabeth Heatley views the use of social media in classroom settings to
be extremely beneficial. In her scholarly article, Heatley suggests that sites such as Facebook
levels out the classroom stating, students who require more time to process ideas or formulate
thoughtful responses have equal access to online forum discussions, while face-to-face
discussions reward quick thinkers and strong verbal processors (Heatley sec. 1). Also, social
media is a great tool for students who are timid and scared to speak out in class because some
teachers use Twitter during class time so these students can tweet their thoughts or opinions on
certain subjects (Heatley sec. 2). Although Heatley makes strong and valid points, it is hard to
ignore the question whether it is okay for teachers to make school easier for these shy students or
if they should help students overcome their fears. Social media allows individuals to escape faceto-face interactions, which does not address these students needs to function in real world
settings. Furthermore, social media may be one of the sole reasons for the loss of social skills
seen in todays society.
For todays younger generation, social media is the preferred mode of communication.
Todays technology allows society to stay connected with the world around them at all times, but
at the same time it allows people to escape reality thus creating a disconnection. However, in
his article, Enabling Community Through Social Media, author Gruzd argues the opposite. He
starts off by stating that one of the main advantages of interacting online is, that the focus is on
what people do with each other rather than the medium or face-to-face context through which
they do it (Gruzd par. 6). He then explains how it builds support systems for individuals and

Jarrett 5
helps them stay connected and up to date with their friends and relatives. It also helps them meet
new people that have similar interests (Gruzd par. 6). Another scholarly article remains
supportive of online interactions, but says that it helps them stay connected with those they
already know, not strangers (Hottell sec. 5). Although it is hard to side with either source, it most
certainly makes more sense to side with the latter. This is because individuals are able to provide
completely false or exaggerated information/pictures on social media that lead people to believe
they are someone much different than who they are in reality (Dalton par. 7). Expanding on this
idea, I chose to create a product that tackles this subject with the appropriate audience social
media users. There is a clear disconnect between the lives people portray online and the lives
they live in reality. For my product, I created two Instagram accounts, one titled The Real Me
and the other one titled, The Instagram Me. I aimed to highlight the juxtapositions between
these two ideas of what people post or express on social media versus what really happens or
how they truly feel in reality. I used old pictures while also taking news ones to portray real life
examples that occur on social media sites. To exemplify the way peoples relationships in todays
society consists of making the relationship look a certain way via social media, I posted a picture
on The Instagram Me account of my friends and me about to go out together and have a great
time. Then, on The Real Me account I posted a picture of what was really going on in the
moment. All three of us were sitting in the same room together with our eyes glued to our phones
and absolutely no interaction between one another. We were more concerned about getting a
picture of what looked like fun to everyone else rather than having fun ourselves. Social media is
addictive and is commonly the first thing people look at before getting out of bed each morning.
Society has become so obsessed with viewing other peoples seemingly adventurous/perfect lives
and relationships that they are unable to enjoy their own. This leads individuals to become

Jarrett 6
insecure and feel as though their life does not compare to the ones they see on the web. In order
to support these statements, pastor Steven Furtick quotes that the reason we struggle with
insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone elses highlight reel
(Furtick).
While social media has advanced society by allowing us to seamlessly connect with
others across the globe, as well as providing a level of convenience in our lives, it still creates
more harm than good. With all factors considered, social media leads to the spread of false
information, perpetuates social change sometimes for the worse as evident in bullying,
distractions in classroom settings, and the deterioration of social skills and relationships. It
should be the goal of society to channel social medias positives, while not getting too attached.
In doing so, our social skills will enhance, we will have more meaningful real life relationships
rather than virtual ones, and we will begin to enjoy life by living in the moment.

Jarrett 7

Works Cited
Original
"AQuotebyStevenFurtick."Goodreads.N.p.,n.d.Web.05Oct.2015.
Graham, Regina F. "Psychologist: Social Media Causing A 'Distancing Phenomena' To Take
Place." CBS DC. N.p., 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 05 Oct. 2015.
"Pro&ConArguments:"AreSocialNetworkingSitesGoodforOurSociety?""ProConorg
Headlines.N.p.,n.d.Web.06Oct.2015.
New
Bellur, Saraswathi, Kristine L. Nowak, and Kyle S. Hull. "Make It Our Time: in Class
Multitaskers Have Lower Academic Performance." Computers in Human Behavior. 53
(2015). Print.
Bode, Leticia, and Emily K. Vraga. "In Related News, That Was Wrong: the Correction of
Misinformation Through Related Stories Functionality in Social Media." Journal of
Communication. 65.4 (2015): 619-638. Print.
Bonanno, Rina A, and Shelley Hymel. "Cyber Bullying and Internalizing Difficulties: Above and
Beyond the Impact of Traditional Forms of Bullying." Journal of Youth and
Adolescence : a Multidisciplinary Research Publication. 42.5 (2013): 685-697. Print.
Dalton, Jon C, and Pamela C. Crosby. "Digital Identity: How Social Media Are Influencing
Student Learning and Development in College." Journal of College and Character. 14.1
(2013): 1-4. Print.
Gruzd, Anatoliy, and Caroline Haythornthwaite. "Enabling Community Through Social Media."
Journal of Medical Internet Research. 15.10 (2013). Print.

Jarrett 8
Heatley, Elizabeth R., and Talana R. Lattimer. "Using Social Media To Enhance Student
Learning." Techniques: Connecting Education & Careers 88.1 (2013): 8-9. Education
Research Complete. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
Hottell, Derek L, Ana M. Martinez-Aleman, and Heather T. Rowan-Kenyon. "Summer Bridge
Program 2.0: Using Social Media to Develop Students' Campus Capital." Change: the
Magazine of Higher Learning. 46.5 (2014): 34-38. Print.
Hwang, Hyesun, and Kee-Ok Kim. "Social Media As a Tool for Social Movements: the Effect of
Social Media Use and Social Capital on Intention to Participate in Social Movements."
International Journal of Consumer Studies. 39.5 (2015): 478-488. Print.