Introduction: A Runaway to the Utopia of the XXI Century
There comes the time when people feel that they are too sensitive for reality, and the virtual world seems the only option. At first, reading books seemed to be the only possible solution, but after the technological boom, the opportunities for the newly appeared escapists have become much more diverse. At present, social networking seems to have become a relatively poor yet incredibly alluring substitute for real life, which can possibly harm people’s capacities for social interactions.
Social Networking vs. Live Communication: The Dueling
According to the research conducted by Atwood and Gallo, online communication and social networking have a huge impact on the way people start building their relationships. To start with, it is quite peculiar that, according to the research, most people prefer a “blind” online date to the real-life encounter with a real person. The above-mentioned means that instead of learning to accept the specifics of another person’s character, the adepts of social networking build an ideal image of their vis-à-vis, which has nothing to do with reality.
When It Comes to decision-Making: Reality Bites
Speaking of the decision-making process and the way social networking impacts it, one must mention that people tend to make their decisions faster online. There are several ideas as to why the given phenomenon can be observed. To start with, the fact that a person is one mouse click away from the desired object serves as a strong catalyst of the decision-making process. In addition, the fact that the above-mentioned takes place in the virtual reality and, therefore, is not supposed to have any tangible consequences, also contributes to faster decision-making.
From Switching Skins to Switching Moods: Your Virtual Drug
It cannot be argued that even an online conversation has a positive impact on people’s mood. However, according to the research conducted by Papacharizzi, the use of the Internet in general and social networking services, in particular, contribute to great changes in the user’s mood: online activities “become a primary means of relieving dysphoric moods” (Papacharizzi 68), which means that, facing a distressful issue, one is likely to feel the urge to distress with the help of social networking. Thus, the latter becomes a drug.
A Few Words about the Controversy: The Pros and Cons
It must be admitted, though, that social networking is far not as black as the above-mentioned ideas paint it. Despite all its flaws, it is a very good deal and a perfect means to help people get in touch, defeating the distance between them. However, it is still worth remembering that social networking is no substitute for real-life communication.
Conclusion: When There Is Nowhere Else to Hide
Therefore, it is clear that there is no reason to think that people have become fully dependent on social networking and prefer it over real-life communication. However, the tendency for people to choose online communication rather than real-life interaction is rather disturbing and calls for some actions. Thus, it is obvious that social network has powerful control over the people involved in it and contributes to a gradual disintegration of not only people’s communication skills but also their moods and even decision-making process.
Works Cited
Atwood, Joan, and Conchetta Gallo. The Effects of the Internet on Social Relationships: Therapeutic Considerations. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, 2011. Print.
Papacharizzi, Zizi. A Networked Self: Identity, Community and Culture on Social Network Sites. New York City, NY: Taylor & Francis, 2011. Print.
Phillipson, Chris, Allan, Graham, and Morgan, David. Social Network and Social Exclusion: Sociological and Policy Perspectives. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.2004. Print.