I always hear concern from the older generation like my parents or aunts and uncles saying that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have a negative impact on teens. Though I do like these sites, I have to partially agree with their statement.
First off, I think that Facebook does have some value. I’ve found friends that I hadn’t seen in years. I get news from the companies I follow. It also helped me get in touch with friends after I moved to a different city. Yet after the initial “I can’t believe I found you,” I don’t hear a word from them. This is a result of the system style that has engulfed social media.
The problem with Facebook is people are not talking to each other. They’re talking to a website which tells everyone their news instead of reaching out to individual people. This way you’re not hurt when a person doesn’t reply to your direct invitation to chat. Facebook lets you phish for responses and interaction from whoever’s on your 500+ friend list.
Twitter is even worse. It is purely talking to the site, while others get your posts sent to them to read. If you want to know everything a celebrity does, then it’s great. But it lacks almost any kind of interaction between people.
When it comes to face-to-face interaction, this lack of direct contact skills comes out. My friends don’t focus on the deeper, individual information we have to share with one another such as funny stories from our childhood or how we’re really feeling. Instead they shoot for the mass appeal, giggles and commentary on whatever is happening right in front of them at that instant which they think will get them some likes and comments.