Potentials of social media: scams and social movements
A reflection on social media and the effects it has on society.
Social media is such a crucial piece of our lives, that we live and breathe it. Whenever we wake up or go to sleep, we are constantly starting or ending the day with our phones. We must examine social and digital media through a critical lens of social theory. The Internet has become such a revolutionized piece of information that anyone and everyone has access to.
Although we see technology as a resource to our lives, we don’t realize the dangers that we face through scams, cat-fishing, and fraud. Today, most of these scams are televised for entertainment purposes as well as social awareness. The show, “Catfish,” on MTV shows the shocking scams of online predators on everyday people. “Cat-fishing” has become a term to describe when someone uses an online fictional persona to lure you into a relationship. This could happen over social media sites such as Facebook or even dating apps like Tinder. Tinder has become one of the largest dating apps used by our generation. However, Tinder has infamously become known for individuals who seek more of a “hook-up,” instead of an actual committed relationship.
We also rely on social media to communicate with our family and peers. However, using such platforms expose us to the dangers of fraud and scams. One example would be emails claiming “your password has been changed,” and requiring you to click on any links provided to log into your account. Thus, succeeding in stealing your identity and personal information. Furthermore, companies can still collect big data through our social media as discussed in class. This has raised my awareness while using social media sites such as Facebook or Instagram. Companies are allowed to monitor your searches in order to advertise their products to fit your needs. Even so, companies can possibly sell your data to other companies as of means of profit.
However, there are positive aspects that social media has on today’s society. Social media can help promote social movements, raise awareness, and become a way to communicate through our capitalist economy. A social movement that has become a rallying point for many individuals in our divisive political environment is the Black Lives Matters movement. Because of social media these issues have been brought to our attentions and has raised awareness for the community. Technology is a very powerful weapon, because it has become a tool for people to amplify their voices and speak out for their cause. There are so many other social movements in the world that have used this form of communication to fight for what they believe in.
