In this week's readings, one of the recurring themes is whether the Internet serves as a way for people to feel closer to others, by being a part of an online community, or whether it isolates them from traditional face-to-face interactions. I'm interested in this topic because I have seen examples of both of these effects, and I wanted to learn more.
I thought that the articles about the impact that social media has had on health communication were particularly interesting. In regards to health, the online community can help patients by allowing them to connect with others who have a similar condition in a non-threatening environment. Information can be shared online, which can be beneficial for patients who may be isolated from others for one reason or another. Obviously the biggest concern when it comes to health and online information is the huge potential for the spread of erroneous information. While many people do seem to be aware of this issue, there are still more people who are quick to believe the information that they find online, without any verification of the facts.
In social interactions, the findings showed that people who use social media sites generally have stronger relationships and support systems. Their Internet usage does not isolate them from traditional face-to-face interactions, and can in fact strengthen existing friendships. Most people choose to only be "friends" with those that they have met in person. I was not surprised by this fact, because most people that I speak to choose to interact online only with actual friends and family members.
It's amazing to read how just how much the social networking environment has changed over the last few years, and how many more people are actively engaged with these tools on a daily basis. They have become, and will continue to be, such an integral part of our daily lives.
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