There are many social medias nowadays that connect you to the world anytime and anywhere. It is necessary for everyone living in this world. The internet in today’s culture is rapidly expanding and becoming popular (Shaw & Gant, 2017, p.158). Now, I have four social medias, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LINE. they provide an opportunity for users to identify themselves virtually on the internet and to get in touch with friends and family. Social media stands for people’s identity.
(Our group tweet① by Ami)
What do you think about social media? Schafer and Meier (2018, p.411) illustrate that
“the process of thinking about information about one or more other people in relationship to the self.”
I would like to explain positive and negative impacts of social networking service and focus on introducing about social media of Instagram.
I used mobile phone for the first time when I was thirteen years old. At that time, I used to communicate with my friends and family. I have never uploaded my picture to use profile, because I thought that it is dangerous. Someone may use my picture without permission. I started using Instagram as a high school student. After growing up, I started to post own and friend pictures, because I understand the social media better, and I am able to understand the distinction between good and bad things. I kept in mind to prevent someone feel uncomfortable from making my posts, and I still try to do that. In addition, I was setting that my Instagram is able to access only my friends. The reason why is that I can figure out who can access my Instagram, it leads to safety.
When I post photos on the Instagram, I often upload photos on the Instagram when I have events, which is able to leave my memories. In particular, I upload photos of my and friend’s smile and travelling as an identity. I am able to gain advantage information through the Instagram from my friends and other people, such as sports, fashion, foods, and cosmetics. Besides, people are able to meet with new friends with similar interests, foster relationships and deepen relationships (Shaw & Gant, 2017, p.158). Also, Schafer and Meier (2018, p.412) demonstrate that three elements are define the inspiration experience. First, Instagram mention to consciousness of new or better possibilities. For instance, it is able to learn about popular travel destination from a friend’s SNS post. Second, people are able to gain information naturally just by looking at one ‘s SNS feed. Finally, Instagram evoke approach motivation, which is inspired to do active and bring a new idea. For example, the travel post by someone elicits the planning of your next holiday. Uploaded content is generally esthetic and making optimal for self-presentation, but also a result of creative self-expression (Schafer & Meier, 2018, p.412). I have been to Tasmania on November, it was the photos of Instagram that became the deciding factor.
(tweet② by Rina Yamada)
If people have Instagram, they are able to communicate with people from other countries. When I was in Japan, I use only LINE to communicate with people. Also, I did not use Instagram as a tool of communication. I am in Australia now, I have friends from other countries. I am using Instagram to contact with them now. It is able to also be used to keep existing relationships (Shaw & Gant, 2017, p.158).
(tweet③ by Rina Yamada)
Social media is really convenient. However, people have to be careful when uploading personal information because some troubles may occur. For example, even if you intend to joke, someone might misunderstand, and it might hurt someone. People should never upload bad words to someone, and photos have copyright. If you want to use photos with copyright, you have to mention author’s information. Also, when uploading photos of people, you should obtain their permission. Remember, once you upload contents onto the internet, it is permanent and never goes away. One should not upload anything that would make someone uncomfortable.
(tweet④ by Rina Yamada)
Social media is really wonderful tools that has become part of our lives. I am going to go back to Japan soon, so I am sad to be leaving my friends, but I have social media that are able to communicate with my foreign friends.
(Our group tweet⑤ by Alex)
What amazing tools!!
If people deeply understand about social media system and carefully use it, it will make people’s life better 😊
Image:Social Media by Philippine Outsourcing Campanies (CC BY 2.0)
Reference
Shaw, LH & Grant, LM 2017, ‘In Defense of the Internet: The Relationship between Internet Communication and Depression, Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support’, CyberPsychology & Behavior, vol. 5, no. 2, doi.org/10.1089/109493102753770552
Meier, A & Schafer, S 2018, ‘The Positive Side of Social Comparison on Social Network Sites: How Envy Can Drive Inspiration on Instagram’, CYBERPSYCHOLOGY,BEHAVIOR, AND SOCIAL NETWORKING , vol. 21, no. 7, doi: 10.1089/cyber.2017.0708
Rina's diary 