The introduction of internet based social media in the 21st century has completely revolutionized modes of communication. As opposed to the old days when people used smoke and signs to convey information, recent years have seen the introduction of various modes of communication that have transformed the way people share information. According to Thussu (2006) the world has become a global village as a result of unprecedented freedom offered by numerous social based media platforms. Furthermore, in the process of sharing information, people have the opportunity to develop social networks and establish new relationships. This essay will explore the possible effects of new internet based social media on personal identity, intimacy, individual privacy and family life.
The introduction of new internet based social mediums has tremendously changed the modes of communication in the 21st century. Castells (2004) points out that the society has become “increasingly networked” as a result of the predominant use of the internet. The introduction of new media has bridged the gap in communication and increased the network of people in a much smaller sense (Gates, 2000). For instance, people no longer have to write letters or fax information, and wait for long periods before they receive replies. People do not have to travel for long distances or even make endless phone call to convey information. Today, the introduction of various social media platforms has made communication extremely effortless by the touch of a button.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Effects of Internet based Social Media on Personal Identity
3. Effects of Social Media on Relationships between friends, couples and Family Members
4. Effects of Internet based Social Media on Privacy
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to explore the multifaceted impact of internet-based social media platforms on contemporary society, specifically focusing on how these digital tools influence personal identity, interpersonal intimacy, privacy, and family dynamics. The core research centers on evaluating both the transformative benefits of increased connectivity and the significant risks associated with digital communication.
- The evolution of communication modes in the 21st century.
- The correlation between social media usage and the formation of false identities.
- The impact of digital over-reliance on interpersonal skills and face-to-face interaction.
- The role of social media in shifting family values and marital relationships.
- The challenges regarding user privacy and the prevalence of cyber-related risks.
Excerpt from the Book
Effects of Internet based Social Media on Personal Identity
Although, most of the internet based social media have brought significant improvements to the world of communication, they have also had negative implications for personal identity. Among the social media platforms, Facebook has taken the larger share of the blame for allowing people to use “false identities”, thus negatively affecting the genuine purpose of communication. As a result, many researchers have questioned the lack of social responsibility among Facebook users. It is a common phenomenon to find people who post embarrassing content on their Facebook pages, thus negatively portraying the principles of Facebook as a company.
Celsi & Wolfinbarger (2002, p. 145) concur that the Facebook as a social platform affects personal identity as a consequence of negative online behavior. This is attributed to the fact that people use social media as a platform for defaming others, slandering, thus contributing to negative consequences. Although, Facebook has positively transformed the culture if communication, people have used it to commit cyber crimes by using “false identities” to minimize chances of being tracked. In this regard, students have also been found to abuse the principles of Facebook by creating pages using “false identities” so that they cannot be tracked. In college, some students can open Facebook accounts using their pseudo names and use them to commit cyber crimes or intimidate their peers.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the rise of internet-based social media and how it has revolutionized global communication, setting the stage for the analysis of its societal effects.
2. Effects of Internet based Social Media on Personal Identity: This section examines how social media platforms, particularly Facebook, can negatively influence personal identity through the use of false personas and harmful online behaviors.
3. Effects of Social Media on Relationships between friends, couples and Family Members: This chapter discusses the erosion of face-to-face interaction and the subsequent strains on marital and family relationships caused by social media engagement.
4. Effects of Internet based Social Media on Privacy: This part analyzes the challenges of protecting sensitive user data and the vulnerability of individuals to cyber attacks and information misappropriation.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the dual nature of social media's impact and calls for the development of better security policies to safeguard user identity and privacy.
Keywords
Social media, Facebook, Internet, Communication, Personal Identity, Privacy, Cyber crime, Relationships, Family, Digital age, Interpersonal skills, WhatsApp, Online behavior, Social networking, Information sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines the transformative effects of social media platforms on various aspects of human life, specifically focusing on personal identity, relationships, and individual privacy.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the shift in communication paradigms, the negative influence of online anonymity, the degradation of face-to-face interpersonal skills, and the inherent security risks in the digital landscape.
What is the main objective of this analysis?
The primary goal is to critically evaluate how the convenience of social media platforms is balanced against the risks they pose to individual identity and social structures.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analytical approach, synthesizing existing academic research and scholarly arguments regarding digital communication culture.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body addresses the impact of platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp on personal identity, the breakdown of family values, interpersonal relationship dynamics, and the challenges of data privacy.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Important keywords include social media, communication, personal identity, privacy, cyber crime, and interpersonal relationships.
How does social media negatively affect personal identity according to the author?
The author highlights the abuse of platforms through "false identities," which can lead to cyberbullying, intimidation, and negative real-world consequences for individuals, such as students.
What is the author's stance on family relationships?
The author argues that while social media allows for convenient communication, it has reduced valuable "family time" and weakened traditional family structures and values.
Is privacy guaranteed on these platforms?
No, the author concludes that privacy is not fully guaranteed and emphasizes that a significant portion of responsibility for security rests with the individual user.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kathy Ndinda (Autor:in), 2010, The Effect of Internet on Personal Identity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/270037
