Social networking
has changed the flow and methods in which people talk to and meet with each
other. Not many years ago, meeting someone in person was really the only option
for establishing relationships with someone else. Different websites influence the user’s
personal intimacy by different amounts, with each containing their own pros and
cons. No site or app is perfect when it comes to meeting with others.
Looking at Facebook
first, a negative influence on intimacy can be seen. Sharing
a funny picture with your aunt, liking your friend’s new profile picture, or communicating
over a picture may be social, but you’re likely removing all chance of going to
see them in person, as you’re getting your interaction “fix” with them this
way. However, maybe there’s no way you’d go see this person anyway, or they’re
nothing but a “Facebook friend” to you. You get to socialize with them a bit
whereas you wouldn't have before. Facebook could be seen as a positive social
platform with no cons in that case.
There are a ton of
dating sites and apps out there that increase a person’s chance at finding a
relationship. The single con being that someone may rely on these platforms, be
unsuccessful, and continue to not try other methods of meeting someone. Besides
those cases, these platforms open up a ton of options. You can find a bit out
about someone, talk to them, and then meet up. It’s a whole new world of intimacy
opportunities that didn't exist until recently.
In a way I believe that the social networking is something that gives people the excuse to just talk to people and never go meet them and never actually act on their feelings but it does also give them the chance to actually meet people they might not have had the chance to if there was no social media.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are both positive and negative aspects of social networking. I do think they increase the chance to meet people you wouldn't have previously known existed, but I hadn't thought of what you suggested about a 'fix'. I know that sometimes seeing someone I havent seen in a while on Facebook makes me what to go visit them more, not less. I do think that dating sites have helped the social scene, and helped people meet each other. I actually met my boyfriend on a social networking site, and we have been together for three years. I do think there are more positives than negatives concerning social networking sites.
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