Social media making us anti-social
A recent YouTube video titled “Can We Auto-Correct Humanity?” went viral for its message of how this generation is missing out on the world around them due to the consumption of social media through their touch phones. The viral video posted by American rapper and rights activist Richard Williams, better known as his stage name Prince EA.
The video with approximately 7 million views, Williams brings up the topic of how technology claims to connect us; but our connection is not improving due to the over consumption of social media.
He continues to express how social media websites are making us lose touch with the world around us and how it has become socially acceptable to measure self-worth based on likes and followers. Williams says, “we ignore the ones who actually love us, it seems we rather write an angry post than talk to someone who may actually hug us.”
Social media is inevitable in our society today. It has become easily accessible to check or update every social network at our fingertips within seconds. But the question remaining is: Is social media making us anti-social?
Associate Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University and Director of the Social Media Lab Anatoliy Gruzd, stands by research he has conducted through online communities.
“In a number of ways social media allows you to connect with people, families can keep in touch in different countries. Social networks form and sustain relationships in communities. ” He says.
Though research through social networking and online communities show people are in more contact than ever, many social users feel otherwise including Guelph-Humber student Ryan Santos.
“When out with friends, I find myself checking up on conversations and looking at my phone frequently. Looking at messages, checking what other friends are up to on Instagram. I feel like I don’t have to ask anyone what’s going on anymore because it’s posted all over Twitter.” He says.
Social media seems keeps us updated more than connected. The distraction of social media being easily available keeps us from connecting with others while in public places.
