HUMAN’S POTRATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA 1
STUDY ON HOW PEOPLE POTRAY THEMSELVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Kurra Jitin Krishna
19EC01026
School of Electrical Sciences
I.I.T Bhubaneswar
HS1L001 : English For Communication
Dr.Punyashree Panda
March 27,2020
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ABSTRACT
Social media are interactive computer-mediated
technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing of information,
ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual
communities and networks.
These platforms seemed to have reduced the distance
between the persons, but they are not. Due to social media, the
distance between persons has increased the real meet, and physical
presence is necessary.
The persons who are seemed to be extremely active in
social media are not active in real life they may be a complete introvert
in real life, but in social media, they may seem to be extraordinarily
active, so this gives rise to another identical one in real life and one In
virtual life which is not a very good sign.
Some persons talk extremely high in social media chat boxes
and portray themselves as the coolest persons the earth has ever seen,
but they are not. Moreover, in online, we should display who we
indeed are than to live a virtual life and real life.
Keywords: virtual life, virtual communities, computer-mediated
technologies
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EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON HUMAN POTRATION
Social networks started as a place to connect with our
friends quickly and conveniently. Many of us might have found our old
pals from school or college who were out of touch due to one reason or
other, well we should thank social networks for this. Social networks
have provided us the opportunity to connect with people and build
better relationships with friends with whom we are unable to meet
personally and let them know about our life and take input about their
lives and events happening with them.
With social networks, we were able to communicate our
thoughts and perceptions over different topics with a large number of
audiences and raise our voice. The sharing feature available on social
networks makes our opinion about any topic reach a vast number of
people (even to those who are not on our friend's list). We have the
option to make groups with people who are like-minded and share the
related news with them and ask for their opinion or input about the
topic. There are several options available for us to communicate with
others on these social networks.
Many studies have shown that the extensive use of social
media can cause addiction to users. Throughout their day, they feel to
post something on their pages or check other posts as it has become an
essential part of our life.
Extreme usage of social media has reduced the level of
human interaction. Because of social networks, the interaction with
other people has become effortless, and people have isolated their
lives behind their online identities. Face to face communication and
meetings have reduced, and many of us have lost the flavor and charm
to be together under one roof.
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This is how I portray myself on social media. I do not
compare myself with others on social media, but I see many people
comparing themselves with others. When we compare ourselves with
others, we are comparing ourselves to the perception of what we think
the person is. In reality, many people are presenting only their ideal
selves online. Therefore, we are comparing ourselves to an ideal figure,
not an accurate representation. So we should not compare ourselves
with others.
We should have a distinctive personality, and our
distinctive personality is our true identity. Authenticity is Key. Stay true
to your real self. Instead of creating an inflated, unrealistic version of
yourself, examine who you are and your best attributes. Determine
what makes you unique and focus your attention on enhancing
yourself. Ask yourself this question, "Would you rather 1,000 carbon
copies of replicas or one authentic version of yourself?" People like
individuals who are relatable, yet, real. Do not be afraid to show who
you are.
I see some people post on Social media that can intensify the
undesirable feeling of missing out on something. However, people on
social media are not very honest. We all post polished pictures of
carefully curated content – and NOT realistic portrayals of everyday
lives. However, when we are home alone scrolling through the
Instagram feed, it is easy to think that everyone else's life is so much
more exciting. At this moment, we do not consider that (almost)
everyone chooses the content presented carefully. Moreover, I will not
even start discussing photo editing and photo filters.
Now, what does science say about social media and how it
affects us? I would say science is not sure about social media. Social
media is still a relatively new topic. There are lots of results, but to be
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honest, we need hundreds more and large meta-analyses to come to
any conclusion. However, let us talk about what most studies found out
so far.
Social media is a good outlet for people who long for
more social connectedness or for shy/introverted people who want to
train their social skills. More extroverted people may gain from the
amplification of social benefits. However, a 'rich-get-richer' model
states that social media is only socially fulfilling for those who already
have a sound social support system offline. This is why I believe that
social media usage can cause loneliness or even depressive
symptomatic. At this point, the association is not clear. The only thing I
am sure of is that it is possible that social media causes loneliness, but
it does not have to.
These were my most relevant results in a concise
summary. I was surprised by some results, and I hope that science
continues evaluating social media. Please do not forget that these are
only the results of one study, and another study might come to a
different conclusion. However, if you every decides to distance yourself
a little bit from social media, my tip would be to set your phone on
airplane mode before going to sleep and not laying your phone near
the bed.
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