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

Facebook: the good, the bad, and the ugly

     Social media and social networking definitely have drawbacks, but also many benefits. Social networking platforms open a world full of possibilities and connections for people. Whether that be finding a new job, making new friends, learning of ways to get involved in your community or simply asking complete strangers random questions you just need the answer to. We can open our world up through the use of social media but all that good also comes with a bit of danger. If we look at Facebook, for example, there is a lot of good, and bad that people can run into. There are opportunities to sell and buy products on Facebook, along with following and staying connected with old and new friends and following your favorite creators. Along with staying connected with people or things you may want to, there is also a connection to people and things you may not want. Hateful words type much easier than they are said. People can easily run into rude individuals while on these...
Post a Comment
Read more

Kimes Ranch

Identity   Kimes Ranch is a Texas based western brand which sells a variety of clothing products. In recent years the company has gained a lot of followers and is a top brand in the western world. The company has done well at establishing a known identity, the longhorn logo is commonly known, the longhorn accentuates the style and propose behind the company's products. It is because of this, as well as high quality materials, that Kimes Ranch has gained a large western follower base. Could this have something to do with their online presence? Let's investigate.  Online Presence and Communication Website: Kimes Ranch does a very good job communicating with its followers and customers through their website. Main features such as sales, company updates, or new/seasonal clothing are on the top of the main page. They do this to draw attention to trending items or exciting deals which encourage shoppers to purchase more goods. Right now, Kimes Ranch is showcasing their Spring Sale....
Post a Comment
Read more