Todays article summarizes how social media is effecting our populations’ consumption of knowledge surrounding current events. This is a very prominent issue in todays society and was shown to be a topic of high interest when around two hundred people responded to our polls on Instagram surrounding this topic. Something even more interesting about this poll was that a large portion of the sample was made up of the high school population, which gives us insight into what the future of our world looks like. Continue reading to learn the results of questions surrounding the apps on our phones that connect us to each other but may be causing a disconnect in the knowledge that we are acquiring.
In our western civilization when almost everyone has the internet at their finger tips, we are truly given a platform to speak our minds. A common thread that has began to weave through our society is the spread of misinformation through these platforms. This is because anyone, no matter their educational background, has the possibility to write what they believe they know on any social media platform. People have become so accustomed to gaining information at the click of a button that they are very likely to jump to the first conclusion that they can derive from a simple google search.
The digital era has been a catalyst for the spreading of misinformation or skewed facts that are posted on social media in order to manipulate the consumer into believing in problems that are over exaggerated or simply not true.
45% of people polled say they generally believe the news that they read on their explore pages. 88% of people have believed something they have read online only to find out that it was untrue or was not the entire story.
Always remember that the people who are posting to social media may leave out half of the information crucial to a topic or crucial to the formation of a certain opinion. They may curate their posts in a manner that uses indefinite and unspecific language in order to skew information.
Source: https://www.geeksofdoom.com/2014/07/04/drill-333-two-faced, https://blogs.wsj.com/law/2016/04/19/lawyers-accused-of-facebook-spying-can-face-ethics-complaint-state-high-court-rules/
However, reading these posts can be of advantage to you if you understand how to research the full story. If people begin to understand that a social media post is only a glimpse into a problem, it can be used in a way that helps to spread awareness on issues SO THAT people will go ahead and do the credible research themselves. While there is a downside to the usage of social media for the widespread of knowledge, it can also be highly beneficial if the information is taken with a grain of salt. It is important that we do not jump straight to conclusions but take the time to research what is being presented to us. If we believe everything we read right away then we are susceptible to being fed lies. However, if we read what is presented to us and then research the facts using multiple credible sources, awareness can be spread like a wildfire and movements for global change can possibly take effect.
59% of people polled believe that social media is helpful to our knowledge as a society. These people advocated that if we use our judgement and know how to spot fake news it can be helpful to our society.
79% of people polled believe that social media movements work. If credible information is used to back up certain initiatives they can be highly effective. An example of a social media movement could be ME TO or certain climate change enterprises. As long as we follow through with what we post, social media can become a very positive and innovative place.
Another quick tidbit to keep in a mind is that primary sources are the best ways to learn about something. Experiencing it first hand is the only way to understand exactly how the event took place. Learning from these sources is the most beneficial way to acquire knowledge. Just remember that a primary source is not an Instagram post. Do not fall into the habit of believing what people say on their snapchat stories in relation to their personal interactions and experiences. You never know how played up a story is when posted to social media because usually people post their experiences online to gain immediate attention, gratification and pity. Social media posts can generally be very narcissistic.
The conclusion is simple; always fact check before you share. Even though you may believe you are making a difference by clicking a few buttons – you could be contributing to the widespread of misinformation. Before you add something to your story spend a few extra minutes fact checking so that this ‘movement’ you are trying to become a part of is as effective as possible. Before you retweet something check if the account is a credible source. Spend the time to understand something before you becoming a part of a chain that has no evidence or real facts.
Instead of letting the information, knowledge and facts come to you, seek them out so that you have the power and control over your own beliefs. This will change not only the way in which you see the world but the way that the world sees you.