Skip to main content

Social Media in Today's Society


Social media has become the way of the future! Over the past few decades, social media has expanded, evolved and today is found on most people's phones. “As of 2024, there are approximately 5.16 billion active social media users worldwide, which is around 59.3% of the global population” (Larson, 2024). That being said, social media has transformed communication and the ways which users formulate public opinions. 


Public Opinion Battle

Public opinion formation has fought against many factors as the development of social media has enhanced…

  • The formation of algorithms has challenged public opinion. Many sites use algorithms to provide users with information or posts that they will more frequently like or look into. This leaves room for misinformation, or half-truths being spread through multiple groups on the specific app. 

  • The fragmentation of news and political affairs is fractured, leading to worsened understandings and, again, misinformation and half-truths. 


Implications

Based on the battles public opinion has faced, there are multiple implications that have been created…

  • Political issues can become separated, moving further from truthful evidence and fact, dividing the public. 

  • Interpersonal relationships can be hindered, and skills can be affected. This can make relationships in the real world strained. 


Success in Advertising

  • In 2015, Always put out the #LikeAGirl campaign. The ads were dedicated to female empowerment, mainly involving young girls excelling in activities such as sports. The end result was girls feeling confidence in themselves, in their abilities and in the brand. 

Always #LikeAGirl (youtube.com)

Always’ #LikeAGirl Campaign. A Triumph of Marketing, Innovation, and… | by Madame Vision | Medium

  • KFC had a chicken shortage and in the midst of a deficit, the company put out the FCK ad. A funny and somewhat risky ad was posed as an apology to its loyal customers. This ad reached global audiences and was regarded in a positive light. 

KFC Says 'FCK' In Full-Page Ad Apologizing For Chicken Shortage | HuffPost Weird News


Ethical Considerations

There are multiple ways we can keep our online communications ethical…

  • Make sure that people know who or what you are affiliated with before sharing information.

  • Be courteous of others' privacy and be mindful of your own.

  • Be respectful and courteous of others online, as well as their ideas. 

  • Fact-check any information you wish to post or learn while on social media. Not everything you see is true. 

  • Be mindful of how your actions and words affect others.


References

Larson, S. (2024, April 8). Social Media Users 2024 (Global Data & Statistics). Priori Data. https://prioridata.com/data/social-media-usage/#:~:text=As%20of%202024%2C%20there%20are%20approximately%205.16%20billion,which%20is%20around%2059.3%25%20of%20the%20global%20population. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Toulmin Method

  What is the Toulmin Method? The Toulmin method is a six-step method used to analyze arguments and create persuasive comments. The steps include claim, data, warrant, backing qualifier and rebuttal.   The Steps:    1. Claim: a claim is a statement or a point that the writer wants to argue. In online communications this can even be opinionated statements.  2. Data: Data, or grounds as the diagram above shows, is the evidence or factual backing the supports the claim. Using credible research here is key.  3. Warrant: This connects the researched data and the claim, meaning it is used as further evidence.  4. Backing: Backing is further evidence to support the warrant, online communications may use reports or studies to back their warrant.  5. Qualifier: The qualifier is used to narrow the scope of claim. They make the argument more precise.  6. Rebuttal: The rebuttal showcases the other side of the argument. They allow readers to hear the opin...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Argumentative Online User

  Online arguments can be messy and downright cruel in certain situations. It is very easy to start rattling off words without thinking of the people on the other side of the screen. A good example of this is a debate that went down on a People.com Instagram post regarding the basketball phenom, Caitlin Clark. A mild debate broke out after a controversial encounter occurred between the player and a reporter. After certain hand gestures and words were used, many viewers and professionals were off put. The reporter received much backlash from the public and was punished by his employers. I chose this argument as I’ve seen many similar argumentative tactics in my own personal social media usage. I think it is very common for online arguments to present this way which makes it a great example. As for the online debate, words used were also quite controversial between users. I will insert images of a couple different threads under the People.com post.  Another thread stated… ...
Post a Comment
Read more

About Me

  Hi everyone! My name is Reilly, and I am an Agricultural Science Major. I am aiming to work in the livestock/agricultural industries after I graduate. I have raised all different kinds of livestock, from horses to hogs and today I work as an equine vet assistant. My end goal remains uncertain; I may work towards becoming a veterinarian or work in feed/vet med/agricultural sales. In my free time I am a volunteer youth basketball coach in my hometown. I have been doing this for roughly five years now and absolutely love it. When it comes to my hopes in regard to this class, I hope to learn how to effectively use online communications to my advantage whether it be personal or professional relations.  
Post a Comment
Read more