"Ultimate proof that our world is getting smaller and smaller," one Facebook user wrote in a comment on the company's post.
This was a comment within Facebook’s data blog of how the social network connects us with people throughout the globe. We share a common connection with people that we may not personally know. Most of us college students admit that we do not know our entire group of friends. However, in a way, we are all essentially connected. The article shares that the average user is only 4.74 degrees away from any other Facebooker. What does this mean? It means that the average user is roughly 5 people away from any other Facebook user.
"Thus, when considering even the most distant Facebook user in the Siberian tundra or the Peruvian rainforest, a friend of your friend probably knows a friend of their friend," Facebook wrote in a blog post about its findings.
The study is not saying that we actually know nor even have any similar interest with the furthest person down the line. It is suggesting that the connections within the world are getting closer and closer. “What a small world” is a famous cliché that is actually becoming reality. Is this positive for society or negative?
Negative
This week we have discussed the dark side of social networks in our online Digital Communication classroom. The direct relationship between Facebook and divorce is an example. Is it possible that we may be fueling the dark side by these unintentional connections? If everyone in the globe is unintentionally getting closer, will we see an increase in Cyberbullying and an increase in divorce relating to Facebook? It is definitely something to think about.
Positive
Connections are valuable to anyone entering the workforce. Often opportunities come from knowing a friend of a friend. In this respect we are increasing our chances to succeed in a business environment. However, not only does it open doors for us in the workforce, it reveals many opportunities for intercultural connectedness. The connections allow us to experience intercultural communication on a wide spectrum. This allows one the chance to become globally sound and interconnected with the world thus making them a well-rounded individual.
Thoughts anyone?
I appreciate your positive and negative side to social media. Social media does allow for connections with others that we may not normally have. These connections allow us to have opportunities that were not available to us before. The dark side of social media is also present daily. Cyberbullying is going to more of an issue because people don't always have a conscience when it comes to posting appropriate comments online. I think laws are going to be enacted that allow comments made on Facebook admissible in court concerning divorce and other proceedings. What it boils down to with social media is the intent of the individual. Hopefully with education the intention of most individuals using social media will be positive.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those arguments that will never be solved. I feel very strongly that there is always going to be the good with the bad. This goes with everything in life however. You are going to have the good and the bad in your job, relationships, college, etc. At the end of the day what is important is to think about is the good outweighing the bad. This is only going to be answered by the user. Personally I see more good in social media than I do bad and I am going to continue to use it. I am not going to use every form of social media however.
ReplyDelete