Blog assignment 2

Facebook has brought about many changes to social interactions in general. To some, facebook represents a rise in interactivity and accessibility of people. On the other hand some argue that facebook indicates a decline in social interactions. One negative effect of facebook is the rise of cyber bullying. Many young people experience bullying in their day-to-day life. With the rise of social media bullying has taken a rise in the recent years. According to stopbullying.gov in 2008 and 2009 6% of students from grades 6 – 12 experience cyber bullying (http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html). According to the same source kids who were victims of bullying were also more likely to use alcohol and drugs, skip school, experience in-person bullying, receive lower grades, and have more health problems (http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html). It is due to all of these problems is the reason the government posted this website to raise awareness and provide solutions for victims of cyber bullying. The main solution provided is to delete unwanted messages, block unwanted users, and to report any type of bullying activity.

One other negative effect of facebook is the possiblity that it makes people lonely. According to a 2012 article in theatlantic.com there have been studies that conclude that online interactions on facebook, rather then face-to-face interactions cause loneliness (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/is-facebook-making-us-lonely/308930/). John Cacioppa states that the greater the amount of in person interactions the less lonely the individual is, and transversely the more online interactions the more lonely the individual is (http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/is-facebook-making-us-lonely/308930/). This may be the result of certain benefits to in person communication that facebook users simply do not get get from social media sites. The article also states that facebook itself is not causing lonliness but rather puts people in a position to be lonely by ignoring things outside of the computer. This article has been referenced in other articles are reflects the key division among people as to whether facebook is a boon or is harmful.

While there have been arguments that claim that facebook has a negative impact on a person or society, there are also articles that show a more positive side to social media. According to an Indian news site that did an article on facebook, facebook creates “virtual empathy” for users (http://news.oneindia.in/2011/08/09/tech-negative-positive-effects-of-facebook-part-2.html). Virtual empathy is an addition to the positive communication that facebook provides that keeps more and more people connected. This article also states that facebook can be helpful to children who are shy and have a difficulty expressing themselves in person. This can be contributed to the fact that face to face conversation can be difficult and trips many people up. With the advantage of being able to slowly and carefully craft dialogue and responces, people are able to express themselves with a greater degree of success. This article argues that facebook does not diminish interpersonal communication, rather, it enchances it.

One other advantage that facebook has had on society is the benefits for marketing. Advertisers may see what people like or take an interest in based on what they choose and not by being disturbed by surveys and other intrusions. One article states that facebook has been beneficial for stimulating business and thus generating revenue. According to www.mediabistro.com 89% of marketers reported an increase in business due to the rise of social media like facebook (https://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/marketing-benefits-social-media_b44694). Such an increase in revenue generates money for the economy and thus creates prosperity for all. Also due to such increases businesses also report a 75% increase in traffic to their websites (https://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/marketing-benefits-social-media_b44694). This also creates new opportunities for businesses that might not be able to pay for advertisements on old media channels. New businesses and more competition in the marketplace are two benefits that come from the use of facebook and other social media.