The Future of Social Media

                I have mentioned the use of social media in educational environments several times over the last several weeks.  It should be clear, at this point, that I see merit and potential in the use of social media as an instructional tool.  It can provide a level of engagement, connectivity and collaboration for students with little effort or resources required.  Such benefits are hard to match with other tools.

                My problem is that I do not really see a good use for social media in our social culture.  Perhaps this would be more accurately stated is I said that I do not see social media being used for good.  Instead, social media has become another accessory that individuals use to send the world a message the same as we do with our wardrobe or car.  What is the message being sent though?

                Most often, these sites become status symbols in which “friends” which aren’t friends are collected and individuals promote how popular and connected they are or to do and say things they might filter if done in person.   I also feel these sites dilute the interactions between people who might otherwise develop true friendships.

                I believe the use of social media sites will evolve over time.  Either users will become disillusioned and dissatisfied with the pseudo relationships available and the social media sites will become the venue for second class and distance relationships or the online relationships will prove satisfying and a cultural shift will result.

Technology Cost Benefit Analysis

                Technology is a pervasive and sometimes invasive tool.  While incorporation of the many devices, software packages and handy websites may offer many benefits, the question of the benefits of those tools should be weighed against the costs at some point.

                For example, in my own life, a high priority is placed on internet connectivity and a good deal of money is spent maintaining that.  I never travel without a laptop and smart phone, which also means I pay to maintain a laptop and smart phone along with the phone service and unlimited data plans which make those things useful.  In my life this makes sense because I work and attend school entirely online and connectivity facilitates those activities.

                In many cases, however, the expenses associated with the various toys are purely recreational and are really not justified when considered.  E-readers seem exceptionally convenient and I would really like to own one.  On the face it seems one would add to the quality of my life, yet I recently tried to justify this desire to my wife.  As it turns out, the books are not significantly less expensive, often require membership to a service, can be damaged and need to be charged.  Additionally, I like to use my books as decorating accessories in my home and I would lose this capability.  In the end, this fun accessory would detract from my life more than it would add.

                I see many other individuals and items which would benefit from a similar analysis.  How many people are truly reaping benefits (even recreational benefits) from iPads commensurate with the costs?