Social Interaction and Social Media

The 21st century is referred to as the Information and Digital Age. This period in human history is closely identified with the revolutionary transference of information through highly advanced means. As a result communication and interaction are possible in levels that previously were not. Due to this advancement in technology, culture and society also evolve to integrate this change. This is most clearly seen in American society. The manifestation of the information technology can be found in almost every aspect of communal life. This means that technology greatly augments how people live their lives as well as how they interact with one another.

Society’s development is dependent on a constant interaction of its members. This interaction allows individuals to express their unique self and in turn experience that of others. Furthermore, this inculcates in individuals a standard as to what to believe in and how to act. Individuals gauge themselves from a benchmark that society provides. Norms, morals, values and ideals all facilitate Social Interaction. This is because these shared social constructs are both reflective of the collective consciousness of the community as well as the individual integration of the same. In the past, this only exists on a level of actual interchange or through very limited tools.

In the Information Age, a vast array of means to interact exists. More than half of them can be found within the ambit of the internet. From its inception, the information superhighway provided more and more avenue for individuals to interact both actively and passively. This gave rise to social media. Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, Forums and the like redefine how interaction is supposed to occur. This means that Social Interaction in turn has significantly changed. These social media introduce a new dimension and externality for Social Interaction to transpire.

Americans in the modern age express themselves more and experience the uniqueness of others through social media. This now is an integral part of the modern socio – cultural phenomena. Social Interaction requires a common and shared dimension to proceed with the transmission of culture and in turn integrate into the same individual nuances. With social media this is possible in many levels. Simply put a richer and more viable exchange of expression and values transpires. This means interchange of this kind and in this context is more effective. Today in America it is easier for individuals to consider seriously matters that they are told via blogs and forums than those from other agents of socialization that do not avail of social media.

Values and norms of conduct are better proliferated via social media than through any other means. Moreover, an entire sub – culture has emerged wherein the means of transmission become part of the message itself. Hence the evolution of social interaction includes this new avenue. In turn the means become part of the culture shared. Social exchange has a more lasting effect. This is due to the fact that individuals in a modern society like those in America have the mindset that the foremost source of values as well as best means of conveying them through social media.