Social Media for earlier generations, has been the source that brought many of us together. A platform such as Facebook, Instagram, and even Youtube became a connective network that allows for individualism on personalized platforms—in turn, creating a universe where people can illuminate their interests and what brings them joy. Simultaneously, this may seem like flowers and rainbows; however, these platforms have created a different work ethic and social currency. Younger generations desire to be relevant or, even better, “famous.” Spending countless hours to be seen through the noise; this week, we dive into the world of social media and the effects it has had on young adults.

          In the Frontline screening of “Generation like” by correspondent Douglas Rushkoff (The Merchants of Cool, The Persuaders), he explores the impact today’s teens face to stay relevant within their “culture — artists, celebrities, movies, brands, and even one another.” Discovering that teens find social currency essential to their impact on culture. Many teens equate their importance to their engagement and audience. How much likes, comments, or reposts a person receives emphasize their worth. Teen thoughts on engagement have fashioned a world of opportunity for brands to reach out to social influencers. Resulting in these influencers’ enormous audiences viewing the product or service of the brand. Influencers may receive free brand merch, incentives, and money for their collaboration with these brands. 

          This collaboration, however, enforces brand marketing by the personal creator. Creators are pushed to advertise, increase their social presence, and work on the marketing end to hopefully catch brands’ eyes. Other people who look from the outside may not understand the work behind the scene to create these profiles. Especially with keeping up an online lifestyle, these lifestyles can consume teens day, so companies like “The Audience” were made to market and promote clients’ social presence while increasing outreach and stardom.

         In the second Frontline screening, “The Facebook Dilemma.” this documentary breaks down the impact Facebook had on society, especially teens. While teens spend hours picking out the best profile picture or captions, many of that wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for Facebook. Created by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook is a social network to collaborate & connect with friends, family, and the world on like-minded ideas or topics. On this platform, the guest can personalize their page with pictures, captions, friends, etc. However, it was not regulated in Facebook’s infant ages, which created an epicenter for bullying, harsh language, social conversation, and controversial behaviors. Teens and many others have joined this platform to voice their opinions on life, hoping that others would feel likewise. 

          Nonetheless, with Facebook outreach growing in millions every day, 

“Scholars worry that the social network can create “echo chambers,” where users see posts only from like-minded friends and media sources. Facebook encourages users to “keep an open mind” by seeking out posts that don’t appear in their feeds.” (Wall Street Journal)

While having a social presence keeps many teens connected, it still is a place that is not filtered from bias and facts. It is primarily for a teen using these social platforms to realize it is more than what it seems. 

Question: How has social media impact your view on society?

=http://graphics.wsj.com/blue-feed-red-feed/

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-facebook-dilemma-part-one-s43cuc/