Written Analysis 2: Rituals and Stereotypes

Written Analysis 2: Rituals and Stereotypes

Due Date March 6, 2016

             

             Social media is such an important part of popular culture presently. The effects it has on relationships can be both positive and negative. As mentioned before, it is used for not only personal networking but also networking and sales and marketing for business’, charities, etc. There really is no limit as to what social media can be used for. Being so popular and apart of many people’s everyday lives, checking social media has almost become a daily ritual for most. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin are just a few of the most popular sites that are used.

Social media has become such a vital part of people's everyday routines, that the checking of these sites could be considered a ritual. When people wake up, no longer do they get coffee and their morning paper. Many sit down with their coffee and their phones, tablets or computers to log into Facebook, Instagram, etc. This is where they cannot only read the local news as well as world news, but also connect with their friends and family. Having all of the information in once place is very efficient. How it relates to affecting relationships is that the constant updating of this information and accessibility, it's not uncommon for large of amounts of time to be spent on these sites and away from family and friends that are present in one's life. The amount of time spent can have a negative impact on relationships. It’s important to balance the time spent and also how the sites are used.

There are stereotypes associated with many of the different social media sites and the people who choose to use those sites or applications. Facebook is stereotyped as the “older” generation, whereas Instagram is stereotyped as the younger generation. People may assume that one who spends a lot of time active on social media sites, do not have a real life, or have too much time on their hands. There are often people use these sites and view information, but do not participate in a conversation, so they don't seem as though they are active. Older generations tend to stereotype these sites as a waste of time; however, many of the younger generations rely on these sites and applications daily.

An important insight that is gained in regards to the ritual checking and accessing of social media and how it does affect relationships is the time spent accessing the information. As helpful as it is for information, it can also be compared to a "black hole." It's easy to get on one of these sites and lose track of time and what is going on around you. It's also easy to pay attention to what is going on in everyone else's lives while missing what is going on in your life. This is an example of how it can have a negative impact on relationships.  Insight relating to stereotyping may be that just because a person is active on social media, does not necessarily mean that they are neglecting other important parts of their lives.