Social Media

Social media has completely changed the way we form opinions and communicate with each other. In the past, we mostly got our news and ideas from big media outlets or public figures. Now, anyone with a phone and access to the internet can share their thoughts with the world in seconds. This shift has made conversations more interactive, fast-paced, and more emotional.

One of the biggest changes is how quickly things spread. A single post, hashtag, or video can go viral in a matter of hours. Different movements gained massive attention and support because of how easily people could connect, share their stories, and raise awareness online. Companies and organizations now use social media to talk directly to their audiences, not just through ads, but through influencer shoutouts, comment replies, and fun content people want to share.

But this constant online activity comes with a few big challenges. Social media can make it harder to know what’s true and what’s not. Platforms are designed to show us stuff we’ll engage with, not necessarily what’s accurate. This can lead to people getting stuck in echo chambers where they only hear ideas they already agree with. It also makes it easier for misinformation to spread and harder for people with different opinions to actually talk to each other.

Social media also affects our personal relationships and how we see ourselves. It’s easy to compare your life to someone else’s highlight reel or feel pressure to post just to stay “seen.” There’s a growing conversation around who should be responsible when harmful content or fake news gets out. Should platforms control that, or is that a threat to free speech?

Like Crusius and Channell say in The Aims of Argument (2016), the way we present our ideas is just as important as the ideas themselves. On social media, how a message is told, whether through a powerful story or a catchy video, can make a huge difference. That’s why it’s so important to stay thoughtful and responsible when using these platforms. Social media is shaping the way we think, connect with others, and act every day.

References

Crusius, T., & Channell, C. (2016). The aims of argument: A text and reader (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education