Psychology of Social Media

Never before has anyone stopped to explain exactly what IS fake news. You just see it on the news as a headline, during a press conference, or sadly, smeared all over President Trump’s twitter. There is a distinct difference between fake news and faulty journalism. Fake news is the complete fabrication of information to undermine people and convince them of untrue information. While bad journalism is the publication of information including wrongful information due to editing and proper fact checking. But somehow, the term Fake news is pinned on everything we disagree with or simply don’t like. It’s rather interesting and scary how this term has turned into a scapegoat. We use it to avoid questioning and pin blame on others. I am truly upset and angry that someone as powerful as the President can use such language and get away with it. I feel that the truth is people don’t understand that questioning our leaders is exactly what keeps them in check and gets our questions answered. Even ...

In this week's events, thousands of people have turned to social media to convey their outrage, sadness, and condolences. Students of Parkland live tweeted the horrific shooting attack they endured this Wednesday and the aftermath they face. As I scroll through my feed, I see hundreds of tweets from celebrities, victims, and others voicing their anger for the senseless and avoidable killings. In less than 300 characters, people are able to speak volumes. I think this use of social media is positive for everyone so that they may see the viewpoints of others and hopefully understand how much we need change. Most of all, I love that Twitter is giving a voice to teenagers, especially in this moment. Hardly anyone takes them seriously in life due to their age or lack of experience or immaturity. But they are our future and right now, they know more than anyone how bad things are and how much we need change. They will be the generation to reverse a lot of the damage that has been do...

I used to think of the world as this happy place and that everyone gets to enjoy their freedoms and do what they please. As we read this week, Egypt has had anything but freedom of the press, speech, and more. The words of their people are suppressed and their beliefs are shattered. The people Egypt had and continue to have limited rights in what they say and do. The government calls upon its people so neighbors spy on neighbors and brothers tell on brothers. It is a horrible cycle that leaves people few to trust. But that is where the internet comes into play. In this instance, the internet is doing all the right things. It is providing a space for people to come and share information, organize gatherings, and speak for the people who have been shut out. It provided the Egyptian people a place to feel safe, even if only a little. They were able to organize and protest the wrongful death and imprisonment of dozens. Quickly the government caught on and began to shut down many internet p...

This week we discussed our opinions on whether there is such a thing as taking too many photos and how the computer mode of storage can be a gamble. For me, there is never too many photos in my phone and computer. I love looking through them and looking back at all the amazing things I've done. People make comments about how it just takes up space or how useless it is to have so many. But I look at my pictures monthly and sometimes weekly. I enjoy having them there and they bring me comfort somehow. I like the memories and feelings I have when I look at them. Most of the time I'm disappointed I don't have more pictures to look back on. When I'm in the moment, taking a photo isn't the first thing I think of so I often don't get as many as I want. I enjoy looking back on the places I've been and things I've done and how I've changed. I think looking back on these things gives me a sense of introspection. I can look at myself and remind myself of all th...