It is Tuesday and that means another edition of Tell Me Something Tuesday hosted by Cambria Hebert. Each week a new question for discussion. Go to Cambria's blog to link up and for next week's question.
This week's question:
Do you like social media? Why or why not? What is your favorite social media to use (FB, Twitter, GR, etc)?
With the explosion of social media in today's culture we are experiencing the world in a whole new way. Social media brings us all closer together and reminds us that it is indeed a small world. With the sudden rise in the use of these popular outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Pinterest there comes many advantages as well as new problems that were unheard of a few years ago.
The biggest problem is the increase in bullying and slanderous behavior that people engage in online while under the guise of anonymity. It is so easy for someone to go online and post hurtful, nasty remarks whether it be on twitter, facebook or a blog. Unfortunately, there have been numerous instances of suicide that have resulted from this type of behavior.
Also, we have seen a rise in traffic related deaths when drivers insist on texting and 
checking status updates and such while driving. Seriously, is a text worth your life or someone else's?
With the constant updates on Facebook and Twitter many of us are often exposed to TMI. Really do you have to share every little personal detail of your life online? Perhaps, everyone doesn't want to know all the details of your bad day or your relationship woes. Less is more. I am happy to hear your updates but make them meaningful.
Aside from inundating everyone with unwanted information, many have 
gone too far by complaining about their job, boss, friends, spouse or even students online. Obviously, on a media platform that is public, people who have engaged in this behavior have reaped the consequences: losing jobs, friends, spouses etc. Remember if you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it online.
Goodreads is another example of an online community that has seen its fair share of ugly drama over the last year. Negative reviews on books has spurred discussion that has gotten out of control and extremely virulent. Many of these outbreaks have moved onto other forms of media and gotten ugly. I think we are all familiar with this ugliness. I used to enjoy chatting on Goodreads with fellow book lovers, but I must admit all the conflict has steered me away. Life is too short. I don't need any additional and unnecessary drama.
I know I have outlined all the negatives of social media and you probably all think that I hate it. No, I enjoy social media to a point, but it is something I approach with caution. I see it as a clear pool of water and one errant pebble thrown in causes ripples that extend to far reaching areas. It is the same with social media. The internet has brought us all more close together than ever. In such a tight space one must be careful to avoid creating waves. Social media can be a wonderful tool and a positive experience or it can become dark and dangerous. It is all up to the user. Remember your words and actions whether online or in public can have long, far reaching consequences. Try and make it a better world: Be Positive, Spread Good Messages! 
