OpinionsEye OpenerTwo faces of Facebook

Two faces of Facebook

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I hate fake profiles! Just very recently, someone posted some questions on DCCCO’s FB Authorized Page. He was looking for answers about one specific concern in one of our branches. We suspected he is one of those who were affected by our policy implementations. At first, I denied him answers because upon checking his FB profile, I learned that he’s a foreigner and a wrestler. However, he repeatedly posted the same questions and further complained about my inaction. Though I found it annoying and I almost challenged him to be brave enough and reveal his true identity, we, nonetheless answered his questions. I felt and was certain that he was satisfied with our responses and that he finally saw the “light” that our responses gave him.

While I hate fake profiles, I don’t hate Facebook, in fact, I use it for so many purposes. However, with the kind of FB usage that I see around me, I cannot help but ask, “Is Facebook really helping us?”

Facebook as a social media
With the launching of the Internet more than a decade ago, came the introduction of a new type of communication referred to as social networking. On-line social networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, have become progressively more widespread and practically became a vital component of everyday life, especially for young people. Roughly 90% of students have a Facebook account, and it is estimated that the average amount of time spent on this social networking site ranges from 30 minutes to more than 2 hours every day.

In 2017, there were 33.14 million Facebook users in the Philippines. For 2018, the number is expected to rise to 36.2 million. Apparently, Facebook has established itself as an alternative channel along with conventional methods of communication. The fact that Facebook allows its users to connect and communicate with others within their social and geographical proximity, it also facilitates a convenient way of managing existing social relationships and build new ones even with total strangers.

The increasing acceptance and fame of social media sites like Facebook, has gained attention as has been viewed as the most viable communication choice not just for ordinary internet users but also for those who earn their living through the written word like bloggers, article writers and content creators.

Facebook has definitely removed all communication and interaction barriers, since one can now communicate his/her perception and thoughts over a variety of topics and for other people to comment on these thoughts and perceptions which can usually lead to a discussion. In this aspect, FB is useful and has value.

Another positive impact that a social media site like FB has accomplished is when it unites people on a huge platform for the achievement of some specific objective. This is very important in bringing about positive change within society.

Now the downsides. A negative effect of FB is that it leads to addiction. Spending innumerable hours on this social media site can divert the focus and attention of a person from a specific task which should have been a priority. It lowers the motivational level of people, especially of teenagers and students. They now primarily depend on the internet and on FB instead of learning the practical knowledge and expertise of everyday life.

As per observation, children are greatly affected by social networking sites, specifically Facebook. The reason is that most of the times, people share photos that contain violence and sex, which can damage the behavior of kids and teenagers. It puts a harmful impression on society in general as these kids and teenagers involve themselves in crime -related activities (whether they know the consequences of their actions or not).

I read somewhere when a public relations specialist named Karen Fraxier wrote this about social media — “It has changed the way people interact. In many ways, social media has led to positive changes in the way people communicate and share information; however, it has a dark side, as well. Social networking can sometimes result in negative outcomes, some with long-term consequences.” And I definitely agree with what she said.

A BBC News Report once reported that, while social networking sites (like FB) bring people together across the Internet, it is superficial because in reality, it can create social isolation. As people spend increasing amounts of time on a social network like Facebook, they experience less face-to-face interactions. Scientists have assessed in several research studies that social isolation can lead to a multitude of mental, psychological, emotional and physical problems including depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, just to mention a few.

The way I see it, social networking sites like FB, along with text messaging, has encouraged poor grammar, usage, and spelling, it has allowed unverified information to be perceived as fact even without substantial proof, and has exposed children and young people to online predators. Also, it has created a culture in which a single mistake like a lewd picture or a poorly thought-out comment can cause irreversible damage to one’s reputation. In addition, it decreases productivity as workers routinely check their FB accounts instead of facing their workplace tasks.

To answer my own question earlier, “is Facebook helping us?” my answer is — when used properly, it can help, if used without regulation, then it is definitely harmful. My family uses FB to connect with one another, with friends, with work colleagues, and with co-church workers in order for us to stay updated with each other’s lives and with the latest news and information. But, I always remind myself and my family to set a time limit and be extra careful about the information they will share and read.

We internet users must all be responsible and must remain vigilant when we use social networking sites. We must use them constructively. For the parents, we must be especially careful in monitoring our children’s use of Facebook to minimize the potential for negative outcomes.

Just like food and alcohol, everything must be done “in moderation.”

________________________________

Author’s email: [email protected]

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