Kelli Grimm Blog Post #2

Perhaps the most notable form of techno-science that I encounter every day is social media. Because I use various forms of social media so frequently—and have done so for many years—it has readily become one of the most impactful things in my life. There are many benefits to the proliferation of social media, from Twitter to Instagram: I can connect with millions of people worldwide with the click of a button, I am reminded of important dates and events and can plan them myself with ease, and I stay up-to-date with the activities of friends and families without having to ever directly communicate with them. Social media platforms like VSCO and Instagram can act as artistic vehicles, showcasing the aesthetics and creative facets of people’s personalities. Other platforms, like Facebook or even Twitter, can act as memory books, allowing one to go back in time and view her past self in photographic and written form. As a member of the generation that was, arguably, the first to truly partake in social media, I feel fortunate to have experienced the ease with which it allows one to “socialize.”

However, I have recently begun to understand the negative impacts of social media on my generation and those to come. As I just noted, it appears on the surface that various types of social media increase socialization and connection. To an extent, this is true; I am able to connect with far more people far faster than I would be able to without the various sites. However, I have found my connections to those people (unless, of course, they are my close friends or family members), to suffer because of social media. I no longer have to actively work to strengthen my weaker ties by communicating in person or planning to spend time with my acquaintances—I can feel like I am “working on my relationships” simply because I like a few pictures, which is neither realistic nor true. Further, social media perpetuates stereotypes about beauty, normalcy, and acceptability that can be damaging for groups of social media users at all ages. Indeed, younger and younger girls can be seen “modeling” on Instagram and talking about what constitutes true attractiveness.

In conclusion, which social media is a form of techno-science with obvious benefits, it also has some severe drawbacks if not used with recognition of its shortcomings. With mental health a very visible and important topic in recent years, it is even more imperative that we pay attention to the way social media is shaping our lives.