Facebook has gained popularity at an extraordinary rate in the last few years. Many argue that it is starting to become a replacement for interpersonal communication. People are beginning to replace live conversations with cyber interactions. What implications does Facebook’s skyrocketing popularity have on people’s live interactions? In what ways are the standards of communication altered by Facebook? (think events calendar, status updates VS calling someone on the telephone) In what ways are these standards reducing peoples contact with each other on a daily basis? Furthermore, explain how people are altering their communication standards to become more inclusive of a social media world.
demise of social interaction (aka) facebook
30 January, 2012
Comments on: "demise of social interaction (aka) facebook" (4)
[...] Chris C : Q [...]
No question that Facebook communication is replacing live, interpersonal communication. In many instances, this is OK——but not all. I get it – we’re all uber-busy and sometimes seeing that one of my friends “liked” something I wrote or did completely suffices as appropriate communication, but when 100% of communication is done via abbreviated Facebook posts and comments I start to feel anxious about the future of interpersonal, face-to-face communication.
Facebook has had it’s plus and minuses for me. I’ve been able to keep in touch (aka not talk to, but see status updates) with people I wouldn’t have time to communicate with on a daily basis or I just won’t really care about. It’s made it easier to keep my grandma and some family members up to date on all of my goings-ons. My aunt and I used to exchange weekly emails and since she has joined Facebook, we don’t email regularly. Just comments here and there. My best friend lives in Cali and I live in Seattle and we rarely see each other. But Facebook has kept us in touch. We are always Facebook chatting. But we could do that without Facebook in the picture. I’m just realizing that Facebook keeps me posted on what’s going on in people I don’t really care about’s lives.
I believe that Facebook is connecting people’s social circles even more. Many activities can be formed and carried out more efficiently and with more involvement. Standard communication may be less formal but more people. It may devote a percentage of time with technology but in the end it’s worth it to create stronger social bonds with networks of people otherwise unable to connect. Facebook may demand more involvement as people turn towards it as a main social tool, but there will always be balance since people are social creatures that demand at least some face-to-face interaction.