Yazmin Medina
Sep 2, 2018 · 2 min read

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE

Why people want to feel connected in Social Media

Social Media makes people feel connected and accepted in today’s society. These platforms have really opened up an opportunity to stay in touch with childhood friends, ex co-workers, family members who live afar and even your neighbor next door whom you may not have time to see. With all the running around in today’s busy world, social media really offers an alternative to share with many people at once and somehow stay a part of their lives.

Social Media also offers an emotional comfort to many allowing them to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. Many young people turn to social media to make friends, and make themselves known. They also desire to have posts that gets likes, this is an automatic self-esteem booster. Others, use social media to create a positive self-image of themselves and desire to feel validated by others.

Homophily and Social Media

Many people tend to connect to others whom they have something in common with or those who think as them. Many may connect with people from their schools, their work or their families. Others may connect with other whom have a similar type of believe system as they do such as religion or politics. This type of connection is called Homophily.

Homophily attracts people of the same kind to each other. A good example of Homophily is found in linked in where professionals of the same type or in the same business connect with each other. This actually is very helpful in getting jobs, and helping each other with in the business world. You can also find it with those whom are famous like basketball players, singers and politician, their follower will have something in common. There is one common liking or goal that brings those followers together. Again a good way to make friends and connections with those whom you have things in common with.

Algorithms

Social Media Platforms have algorithms set up that follow your likes and your connections. This sets up rules to post news and stories they predict users will enjoy more on to your page. This why the newsfeed you usually find on your page are things that you are interested un.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophily

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