M6A4 Reflection Blog Post

 In this week's module, we explored the complex ways social media acts as a negative social modifier, addressing issues such as narcissism, public shaming, loss of privacy, and the concept of a social media dystopia. These topics are highly relevant and deeply connected to our daily digital interactions.

 Social media platforms often serve as breeding grounds for narcissistic behavior. In her YouTube talk, Alice Marwick explains how platforms like Instagram and Facebook encourage users to self-promotion and create idealized personas (Marwick, 2017). I frequently notice this phenomenon in my feeds, where users share meticulously curated images and updates to attract likes and admiration. This raises questions about authenticity and the psychological impact of constantly seeking external validation.

The darker side of social media also includes a widespread culture of public shame. In his video, Jon Ronson illustrates how social media has transformed into a tool for public punishment, often leading to devastating consequences for individuals (Ronson, 2015). This culture of shaming can result in significant mental health issues and social ostracism, highlighting the need for more compassionate online interactions.

The loss of privacy is another crucial concern. The BetaNews article warns against participating in seemingly harmless activities like Facebook quizzes, which often collect vast amounts of personal data (Wilcox, 2015). This indiscriminate information sharing can lead to privacy breaches, a growing concern in our data-driven world. Lastly, as examined in various sources, the idea of a social media dystopia presents a bleak outlook for a future dominated by digital interactions that prioritize engagement over meaningful connections. The YouTube video by Tristan Harris discusses how these platforms are designed to capture our attention at all costs, often resulting in addiction and societal fragmentation (Harris, 2017).

When all of these issues are considered, it quickly becomes evident that social media is far from the fun, safe, and private platform many have considered it to be. The fact that we often find ourselves willing to post our inner thoughts or feelings becomes a dangerous or scary thought when we look into how that information can be used or manipulated. 

1. Harris, T. (2017). *How a handful of tech companies control billions of minds every day.* [YouTube video]. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE3azAS2e9k 
2. Marwick, A. (2017). *The Importance of Understanding Social Media's Dark History.* [YouTube video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QWoP6jJG3k 
3. Ronson, J. (2015). *How One Tweet Can Ruin Your Life.* [YouTube video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoWK83S1QB0
4. Wilcox, B. (2015). *Stop doing quizzes on Facebook if you place any value on your privacy.* BetaNews. http://betanews.com/2015/12/19/stop-doing-quizzes-on-facebook-if-you-place-any-value-on-your-privacy/