Week1 B: Social Media Use Today

     I think that social media usage falls across the spectrum, much as human's do. Human nature is really what makes it what it is! On one end, you have the ability to share heart-warming stories, connect with people all over the world, find moments of inspiration and joy, see beauty (travel, art, music, etc.), and build a large community of people who support you. On the other end - social media can be a very sad, overwhelming, harmful, dangerous place. Some people weaponize social media to cause mental, emotional, and physical damage to each other. Social media is what it is, a blank canvas to share yourself, your thoughts, your values, and your talents. However, I think that more people need to choose using social media in a good way. 

    Social media sites, in my opinion, can be used in both business and personal ways across all platforms. Firstly, I think that the intended usage was originally as a people connector and community builder. From posts on Facebook, photo sharing on Instagram, TikTok vides, tweets, and Pinterest boards you see people sharing their lives. However, I think that the digitization of our world has come full circle with an almost virtual "world market". Through all cultures and times in history communities have come together to sell their skills, goods, and ideas. That has moved onto social media through people who have business, make sales, promote themselves, and create their own brands. Certain platforms like Facebook and Instagram have harnessed using personal ideas/trends to market businesses and connect with new customers. 

    I rarely use social media, but when I do its purely as a social connection and sharing tools to those who are close to me. I live far from my family, so I am able to share (via Instagram) my son growing up, my personal experiences, and my day to day existence. It makes us feel like we are closer to each other and its been really important in created a relationship between my son and his cousins, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. I use TikTok to share jokes with my family and friends. I don't make videos but I can always find something that I know won't only make me laugh, but that I can quickly send to someone I love to make them laugh as well.