Radimer 1 Chelsea Radimer Ms.

Caruso ENGL 1103 22 October 2012 How Social Media Has Influenced Communication Social media is a very prevalent part of our society. Not only can it be accessed through a computer, but you can now access social media sites through a smartphone. Nearly everyone has an account of some site, along with text messaging. The concept of communication has changed drastically since these new technologies became popular and many values have changed. Why have people, particularly adolescents, become so dependent on social media in order to communicate with others? Social media allows people to share information that is not always appropriate, paves the way for cyber bullying, and allows people to become reliant on impersonal communication. Numerous studies have identified text messaging as the preferential form of contact by adolescents when compared with other commonly used forms of computer-mediated communication such as Facebook, instant messaging, email, or talking over the mobile phone (Skierkowski par. 6). These studies look into the reasons as to why people prefer to text each other. One study found that adolescents reserve talking on the phone for long conversations regarding major events or conversations with parents. The study also shows that individuals with weaker bonds tend to talk face-to-face or through social networking sites while people who are closer tend to use text messaging to maintain ties (Skierkowski par. 6). A study of Korean adolescents indicate that text messaging, instant messaging, and cell phones are distinctive media
Comment [M3]: Good Thesis ! Comment [M4]: I would start a paragraph with a better transition from the thesis, then use the quote. But your choice! Comment [M1]: Add different ways it can be viewed: Smartphone, Tablet, even internet abled game systems (xbox, ps3, dsi, etc) Comment [M2]: Make a little more wordy? Nearly everyone has an account of some type; a facebook, myspace, twitter, along with, of course, unlimited text messaging.

Radimer 2 for students. Cell phones tend to be used in reinforcing strong social ties among this group. This shows that text messaging is in fact a world wide phenomenon (Skierkowski par. 8). In todays society as long as you have a smart phone or account on a social networking site you are considered cool. Communication has expanded and now primarily takes place online (Peterson par. 1). Communication has become simplistic and quick, but the big question is: What is social medias impact on the quality of communication? (Peterson par. 2). Statistics show that the more time a person spends on Facebook the more people become insecure about their experiences or achievements. People can create a life that they want to display on their profile, but there is more to a person that what is seen (Peterson par. 4). For better or for worse, it has distorted everyones view of each other. I can make myself look very well on Facebook by posting positive comments with good pictures. Wilke as qtd in Peterson par. 3). Twitter is also a new craze among adolescents. One common misconception that comes along with social networking is overestimating the intimacy of relationships. Even though someone is your follower they may not be your closest friend (Peterson par. 5) People may think my life is awesome (John
Comment [M6]: This paragraph is all quotes, no Chelsea. Comment [M5]: Elaborate on the first quote, give your ideas, then use the second quote. You have two quotes together here. And dont end with a quote, explain it!