Social Wellbeing Module Response

• Question #1. Are social media sites just opportunities for people to become, as Ronson says, “Unpaid shaming interns?” Share your thoughts.
Although at times it seems that is exactly what people chose to do with social media platforms, I do not believe that social media sites are just opportunities for people to become “unpaid shaming interns”. I have to admit that I do not use social media much because of the negative aspects of it. I do not enjoy how some people dialogue with one another on social media. I do not like the lack of privacy and what seems like intense scrutiny. Further, I have real limitations with my time, and I have to make decisions based on priority. Ultimately, we have the power to be selective. Being selective is not always so easy, but all the same, social media interaction is a choice. We also have the ability to teach less experienced individuals, like adolescents, how to be selective, make better decisions and benefit from the social interaction in more constructive ways. In fact, I believe that was the whole purpose of Ronson’s talk–to educate others on the destructive aspects of social media impulsivity and to create room for greater tolerance and better communication.
• Question #2. What are some of the benefits of social media in terms of providing opportunities for the democratization of justice?
In terms of providing opportunities for the democratization of justice, the immediate benefit to social media that comes to mind is the accountability factor. Thoughts, beliefs and opinions are being shared on a public platform. That means they are no longer confined to two or three people, the four walls of a room or even the confines of our mind. That means they are also left to the scrutiny of a larger audience. That scrutiny comes with consequences. Another benefit towards the democratization of justice is that we have brought our world a little closer together through this technological interaction and this can expose us to valuable learning (ie. cultural values, etc.)
• Question #3. Are there ways of meeting “nice people like us” on social media? Or, is it a place that only offers opportunities for us to mutually approve of each other while demonizing someone else?
Again, this goes back to the power of selection. It doesn’t have to be either extreme. Not everyone has to approve the things I do nor do I have to demonize what I don’t approve. For a long time, I avoided social media because I found it was a time-suck and I did not feel it inspired me in creative ways or provided for learning. However, I have found a couple of “gold” nuggets along the way. Recently I have begun to utilize Instagram a bit more because I have found the accounts of other women who are mothers very inspiring. I also follow certain musicians who inspire me artistically and creatively. I also began following other educators who offer free webinars in subject areas that I need to grow in and that has been extremely beneficial.