So here's the deal.
As fellow Gen Yers or members of the digital natives clan, we are constantly surrounded by social media of various different kinds.
So much so, that we rely on it.
I mean, I know of some people who refer to social media as their drug, so addicted that they can't imagine a world without it.
I don't know if I could do it. To be honest, when away on a holiday, I was checking Facebook EVERYDAY. But then again, maybe it was because I was in Canberra!
So what makes me think this? Two reasons.
1. I saw how much influence it has in the lives of myself and of all those around me (with only a handful of people being unaffected by it)
2. As a result of the riots in London, people are suggesting that social media should be banned during times of unrest. David Cameron, UK PM, suggested a total ban.
The second point really stimulated my thoughts, as I already talked about in my previous post, social media was not the 'cause' of the spread of the riots!
And on top of that, TWITTER is aiding in the cleaning efforts in London!
So why ban social media when it was not really the cause?
And what would happen if that were to happen?! If you get what I mean.
There would be a whole lot of withdrawals, that's for sure. And God knows what else. We are only beginning to really understand the potential in social media. For it to be subjected to a ban would allow for things to run wild and the truly ugly to happen. Which would cause more problems, and more knee-jerk solutions from the authorities.
So can you do it?
Vote on this poll! It'd be interesting to see.
Comment below. Tell me, what would you do if all forms of social media were banned. How would you cope?
August 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM
I voted Yes because I think I could really do it. Not saying that it would be an easy journey though.
Having said that I use it countless times a day....when I first wake up I check Facebook on my Iphone in bed like it's the morning paper, sometimes squinting with one eye open. No joke!
I think it's hard for me to give up though, living overseas its the best way to keep in contact with home. I could never be bothered sending individual emails to friends and family. Also, Photography being my passion I follow pages on Facebook and G+ that regularly update with images that keep inspiring me and giving me ideas for my photos.
The thing is that I will never be forced to 'quit' so I will continue to use it!
P.S Drop past and say Hello if you have the chance- www.wonderfy.net/imagesbydktn
August 24, 2011 at 10:48 PM
i don't think anyone can live without it unless everyone stops...
i used to be able to go without it but thinking back at all the times people does to me 'didn't you read my blog?' 'it's on my facebook'
I HAVE TO USE IT.
i have friends who don't bother tell me stories and just pass me the iphone to let me read the story, or siblings in the same home who will not answer the phone or respond to me voice.
i think that why i enjoy the company of baby boomers because they talk to me and their antidotes are so interesting... and there are no fucken advertising...
which lead me to another point that social networking is a way of making money! just think about all the time you post something and an ad appears relating to what you just wrote about. Some businesses don’t even have website and just refer you to their twitter or facey.
I honestly cannot see the day that social media will be gone... there is no need for the ‘what would happen if that were to happen?!’ because it will ever happen.
Way to promote your blog by the way davie.
August 25, 2011 at 4:27 PM
From my friend Jackie, who can't comment
In simple words, no its not possible. Social media is not just for socialising anymore. Its used in businesses everyday to contact their customers, to gain new customers and to contact other businesses.
Not only is it cheap and convenient to contact others on the other side of the world, its fast. My best friend is in America right now. It takes 6 days for a letter to arrive and phone calls are just inconvenient due to the time difference. Facebook is probably the easiest, fastest and cheapest way of still staying in touch.
If social media were to be banned, as a society we would be taking 10 steps back instead of one step forward. It is just too dependant in today's world. Yes maybe an individual like me could cope with it but as a society, no, no not at all.
September 7, 2011 at 5:35 PM
I'd spiral into depression without social media... it's definitely enriched my life and social interaction and you know what? Once you've tasted excess, who'd want to go back?
September 15, 2011 at 9:35 PM
I've just dropped by to see how the poll was going... interesting to see many more "No" votes than "Yes"!
We are all hopeless SM addicts... we have no hope! :)