New and Digital Media Stories: Week 1

Article from The Guardian

The article summaries the 'growing buzz of social media' and how, over the years, it has become a constant activity amongst individuals in society. The e-media platform allows one to communicate in many different ways: socialising, informing and battling. The article forces an audience to address the "culture-like" atmosphere that unifies 'social media' and the desperation amongst individuals to conform and be a part of this fictional world. 

Statistics and Fact included: 

• More than half of Britons regularly use it, and across the world more than 50 social media platforms have an excess of 1 million users.
• Facebook is on course to have a larger digital flock than the population of another country. (Article: Zuckerberg - one in seven people on the planet used Facebook on Monday)

In my opinion, I find it worrying that individuals are becoming more consumed with adding input towards a man-made online society, rather than contributing to the natural earth around us. I am certain that this is ultimately 'dumbing' our new generation down and forcing them to become lazy - relying on 'Google' for every single answer. Arguably, this 'new birth' called Social media, does in fact acts as a great tool in conveying global news - fast and quick. However, individuals need to be more aware of false sense of freedom that social networking sites display, as every e-footprint is being closely watched.

Article from The Independent

The article establishes the release of a new application which is ideal for vulnerable young adults who find themselves walking home alone. The app 'Companion' was created with the intentions to make people feel safer in finding a route home and arriving to there destination. The creators included a group of young people from the US who attended the University of Michigan and had undertaken science internships.

Facts and Statistics included: 

• The app has been successful - since launching last month, one of the app’s creators, Lexie Ernst, told USA Today College the response has been phenomenal and said: “We’ve had over 500,000 sign-ups in the last week.”

In my opinion, I think the concept of the app is a brilliant way to ensure the youth feel more safe. However, the 'location services' which track the journey of the individual is partially unsettling as it links towards the 'Big Brother' ideology that the government intend to watch and survey everything that we are doing. 

 

Article from The Guardian

The article looks closely at the almost damaging effects that social media has on teenagers due to late night scrolling through their 'dashboard's and news feeds'. This 'scrolling' consists of being presented teens being presented with images, facts and ideas, that consequently leave them feeling anxious, insecure and depressed. Interestingly, this isn't just within the younger ages (12-16 year olds), as it goes right up to those in University, consequently jeopardising their sleep and mental health. 

Statistics and Facts included: 

• Dr Heather Cleland Woods said her study had found that children as young as 11 were on Facebook and Twitter and using them considerably.
• Preliminary analysis of the research showed overall social media use, and specifically night-time use, was related to poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem and higher levels of anxiety and depression.

In my opinion, I think that there should be limits as to what specific age groups should access on the net to help reduce upset or depression. Additionally, there should almost be some sort of lock off time in which people are allowed to consume social media in a day. Specifically, more positive concepts should be outlined on these websites so young teenagers don't feel pressure to conform and live in an idealised way. I feel that this would better the new generation who have been brought up, only knowing what life is like with social