Reflection

It's interesting when you look at your reflection on a spoon, and depending on the side, you're inverted or the correct orientation. Reflections can be helpful in seeing the world from a new perspective and for analyzing oneself. This past semester has been a long reflection of social media usage, its effects both positive and negative as well as its potentials.
We've explored how social media amplifies communication, reaching a larger audience not bound by geographical locations. This has accelerated the Arab spring revolutions and has been a platform for changes on a smaller scale as well. Social media has destroyed people's careers because of users' oversharing, and it has also created career opportunities for viral accounts. Ultimately, we have reflected that social media is a tool and it is up to the user whether they will let it control their lives or be a positive assistance. That being said, there is so much that social media is used for; from communication, education, business and marketing to activism. Parents and children have used it to vent to their followers, demonstrating public shaming and other harmful practices that exploit their loved ones. It is important to be mindful when using social media because of its potential to cause harm, and to sit back and reflect every once in a while if we are being used or vice versa. If we aren't paying, then we are the product. We must be careful with that. 

Empty Bowls

Social media has been under fire for having so many negative consequences and potential harms towards its users.  In the past it was acknowledged how social media platforms have accelerated the spread of videos which can ruin a career or public image. However, there are may more things this tool has been able to accomplish in connecting communities. In gaining publicity for social justice issues, for amplifying the impact of fundraising and for spotlighting causes to make a change.

More recently, I came across an invitation on social media for an 'empty bowls' fundraising dinner advertising a dinner displaying pottery by local art students, symbolizing all the empty bowls in the community of those who are food insecure. This is just one way that social media platforms have been able to connect me, because the invitation is not just in one physical location, but in many online. In reaching more people, it raises more awareness for those that are food insecure. 

Taste test

Do you notice that before chefs bring out a new dish for the world to experience, they run it by some people with sample tastings and to perfect visual appeal? Do people question this? Not at all.

It is encouraged that before it is put out for the world to taste and judge, it is generally approved by some trusted companions to make sure it depicts the chef's experience in the best light. Anything short of that, it would be taken back to the kitchen, improved and sent out again for another trial.

If only social media was like that. People these days are sending out tweets without really being aware of the potential harm (or good) it could cause. They aren't considering the weight of it or the fact that once it is shared with the public, there is no taking it back. Even if deleted, it has been screenshot and seen by followers and that cannot be undone. This is something users should consider with sending potentially easy to misinterpret messages even if it is as a joke. It could ruin someone's career and possibly their life.

Through social media, parents have also exposed their children's humiliation and shortcomings through public shaming. By posting these videos and images online, they are not only destroying their child socially, but psychologically. It makes one wonder if they had done so in the spur of the moment or truly thought about the aftermath of their actions. If they could send out a sample before sending it out to the world to see, it would have likely been flagged and not pursued.