The Pros and Cons of Getting Social

Since I woke up this morning, I probably made some kind of social media connection with a handful of people—one with a tweet, one with an exchange of text messages, and another with a Snapchat. All this was done from the comfort of my seat without even having to go outside to see or speak to anybody face-to-face. Is this a blessing or just the beginning of the end of human interaction?

What about some face-to-face socializing? I probably spoke to one person this morning about how late the bus was. So, thus far, I've socialized much more through the internet than in person.

Benefits of Social Media

Nowadays, just about anyone can turn on their phone or computer and start a conversation with just about anyone from anywhere. That seems much easier on the nerves for teens and young adults everywhere.

The luxury of staying put in your house while texting your friends about what they're doing this weekend definitely sounds a lot more convenient. A survey done by the Teen Advisory Board for My Future-My Choice concluded that 200 high school students said Facebook is one of the top two ways relationships begin for people their age.

77% of the students chose texting as one of the ways relationships begin, while 82% said texting was one of the top two ways they also end. Although not the norm, beginning or ending relationships through a message saves that shy kid the butterflies of going up to his crush.

Social media outlets have changed the way we use the word "friend". Could being friends with someone across the world mean the same as being friends with someone since childhood?

According to Dictionary.com, "friend" means "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard." Whatever your situation may be—whether a friend who lives down the street or on the other side of the continent—you have a friend.

Social media has changed our ability to make, Ctrl+Alt+Delete, and mend friendships.

The way we find out about new events and people is through social media networks. That concert you want to go to? You probably heard about it first through a message from a friend. It then becomes a hub for like-minded individuals to discover new people, possibly on the cusp of a new friendship or relationship.

Drawbacks of Social Media

Although we know the world isn't perfect, every good thing comes with its flaws.

One could argue that the convenience of technology is the downfall of basic human interaction and productivity. It creates a huge distraction for anyone with internet access.

Doing research for your paper that probably could've been done in an hour a decade ago now extends to hours of procrastination while you read an endless list of status updates on Facebook. I admit I've looked at my phone countless times while writing this.

Over-sharing and loss of privacy have been main focal points in discussions about recognized social media outlets. Instead of venting about "generic teen problem #5" to a trustworthy friend, some take it to the next level and let everyone on their friends' list know about it.

Friendships are handled very differently online. They become fragile between people. In a face-to-face conversation, a response is generally expected. Through a message, however, the sender could easily be ignored for any reason.

Offline friendships contain aspects that strictly online friendships lack, such as commitment, understanding, and interdependence.

Over time, humans have seen social interaction methods come and go. Who is to say social media won't go extinct within our lifetimes? Some people differ from others in their socializing methods. It's already made quite an impact on our lives, but to consider it good or bad is up to you.