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Travis Osborne

Professor Rachel Porter

ENG 1201.511

3 April 2019

Argument Essay: Let’s Talk

What is social media? How is social media in people’s everyday lives? Is social media

replacing the way we talk and the ability to hold a conversation face-to-face? In this essay, I will

attempt to answer these questions and show that social media is having an impact on people

holding a face-to-face conversation and how they are expressing their feelings.

I chose this topic because of the many examples I see around my own life. For instance,

my friends seem to have a difficult time just talking. They are straight to the point and then

move on to their social media. I looked around the cafeteria and instead of talking with those at

their table, they are on their phones updating their status and checking on what their friends are

doing. I, myself, am seeing this trait in my everyday life. It is much easier to just respond to a

question via text than to meet up with a person and have the communication.

I want to make people aware of this issue because I am realizing the importance of

having the face-to-face communication. I will show how different studies have shown that

people seem to have an easier time expressing their feelings through social media than in a group

of people. I will also show studies that show that even though social media usage has increased,

this is not impacting individuals today. Overall, I will use the information to prove my thesis

that the use of technology is impacting the way we communicate when meeting in person. I will

also express how the information I researched has made an impact on my own life and the

changes I plan to make in order to make face-to-face communication a priority.

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What is social media and face-to-face communication?

We are so used to hearing about people using technology or social media, but do we

really know what that is? Social media is a type of communication that occurs online while

sharing, interacting, and collaborating with a community. In other words, social media is

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and many more. People use technology to share

memories, talk with friends, invite friends to events, and communicate on the spur of the

moment. Face-to-face communication is an important form of oral communication. It simply

means that two or more people get together and talk. It involves all members to have an

involvement in the conversation.

People can anything they want on social media and not worry about hurting anyone’s

feelings. They can go offline when they are finished talking. You do not have to show you care

about interpersonal feelings. You do not have to change who you are to please someone. You

can lie as much as you want without having to worry about if someone is doubting you by

avoiding eye contact. You can create whatever lifestyle you want to have. Overall, the two

types of communication involve interaction between two or more people, but with social media

you can make yourself appear however you would like.

Face-to-face interactions

Even though people are constantly posting on their Facebook walls how they are feeling,

they are also taking that same information and expressing it when they sit down and talk to their

friends. Studies were conducted with 149 Facebook users to answer the following three

questions.

“What are the differences between emotional disclosure on Facebook and real life”

(Pentina)? Emotional disclosure occurs naturally in everyday life. People are able to express
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their positive and negative emotions as often as they would like. Facebook allows people to

share their emotions to a wider audience.

“What are the differences in the activity of disclosing positive and negative emotions on

Facebook” (Pentina)? “The survey found that the Facebook users were less likely to disclose

either positive or negative emotions on their Facebook walls compared to face-to-face

encounters” (Pentina). People were also more willing to put out how they were feeling, whether

it be good or bad, on social media in comparison to face-to-face.

“How do perceived social support and the Big 5 personality traits affect the emotional

disclosure on Facebook compared to real life? The second study found that friends rely on

others when having the need to disclose both positive and negative emotions. Emotional sharing

could significantly affect attitudes and behaviors towards market offerings. Emotions expressed

in online word-of-mouth communications have been linked to new products. The results

reiterate the importance of having social media available to people and to encourage the use of

Facebook to share their thoughts with friends” (Pentina).

Overall, this study has shown that people who use Facebook are comfortable displaying

their emotions online, but are also comfortable communicating their emotions when having a

face-to-face interaction. People are finding that they can express their feelings freely online and

then able to continue having those discussions in person. People tend to be utilizing both types

of communications to express themselves. This source contradicts my thesis by showing that

people are able to communicate their emotions on social media, but can also take that

information and share with others face-to-face.

Decreasing amount of face-to-face interactions

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The use of computers and all the technology networks have dramatically changed

communications. All a person needs are a computer and software. According to Sproull Kiesler,

communication has changed into a network organization. Eighteen studies were conducted in

which a review of what the major differences are between Computer-Mediated Communications

(CMC) and Face-to-Face (FTF) communications. The following are results from the studies

conducted.

Proposition 1 states that CMC groups use more time to complete a given assignment.

This appeared to happen because typing the information usually takes longer than just saying

what needs to be communicated. Proposition 2 states that CMC groups add fewer remarks than

FTF groups. People who meet face-to-face can discuss and agree on things whereas those

communicating over social media can offer suggestions and opinions ongoing which could take

longer to agree upon the topic of discussion. Proposition 3 states that CMC groups, when

completing a task, perform better than FTF groups. The people who met face-to-face were

smaller in number and were able to complete tasks easier because people participated more.

Proposition 4 states CMC groups share equally. As the propositions continue, we find that

“CMC groups perform better than FTF groups, less social pressure, and poor perception of a

partner” (Bordia). The individuals completing a task using social media found that less pressure

was put on them and they did not have to worry about the disapproval from their peers so they

were able to complete the task easier.

Overall, this source shows that even though people are comfortable communicating both

with technology and face-to-face, there is a disconnect when having a face-to-face conversation.

This source supports my thesis that face-to-face conversations are being impacted due to social

media.
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Social Media and Interpersonal Communication

“If you look around a restaurant, you will notice that people are busy texting or updating

their social media status instead of talking with those at the same table. Although people still

socialize and interact with others, the way in which they are socializing has changed. People are

no longer meeting face-to-face, but are using social media as their source of communication.

The way in which we communicate has changed. We would rather use technology as a

way of communication than to have a face-to-face conversation. We would rather send a quick

email than take time out of our day and meet. We would rather send a short text than call a

person and have a conversation on the phone. With that being said, “studies have shown that

people are actually becoming more social and more interactive with others” with the exception

that people are doing this not through meeting face-to-face, but by social media (Keller). We

still communicate with the same trust as we would have face-to-face, but we are able to have a

more open conversation. Although we can have a more open conversation, our relationships are

not getting stronger. We simply say what needs said and move on to the next text message. We

make connections with people who tend to agree with our point of view. We are not allowing

ourselves to be challenged by other points of view because social media allows us to just end the

conversation without justification. We are not “getting the same diversity of viewpoints as we

have gotten in the past” (Keller). “As technology advances, we will see even more use of social

media because the bigger the influence of technology, the more communication styles will

change” (Keller).

Overall, we are communicating more through technology although our interactions

appear to be weak. The connection with these individuals is not present with the use of

communicating through technology. We still appear to communicate more through social media
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regardless of the relationships we tend to be making. This source proves my thesis that social

media is impacting face-to-face communication although people are expressing their feelings

easily.

Teens, Technology, and Friendships

Through the use of social media, the way in which people are building friendships and

interacting with their peers is changing. Facebook appears to be the social media outlet that most

people turn to in order to keep up with friends and family. Studies have shown “that 71% of

teens use Facebook. Instagram and Snapchat have also become a popular use of social media”

(Lenhart). Studies show “that 52% of teens use Instagram, while 41% use Snapchat. Twitter is

used by ⅓ of American teens” (Lenhart).

Fig. 1. The percentages listed show the increase use of social media over the past two years
(dailymail).

Social media tends to be the avenue in which America’s youth interact and communicate.

It is also the way in which teens are connecting with new friends. Social media allows teens to

follow and learn more about their friends. “About ⅔ of teens have made friends online and say

they have met these friends on social media” (Lenhart). Also, they have shared their social

media screen name with friends so they can stay in touch. Teens have found that by using social

media, they are able to stay connected with friends daily.

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Overall, teens are making new friends through the use of technology. These friendships

continue to develop and teens feel connected to their friends through the posts they put on their

social media accounts. Teens are able to keep in contact, keep updated on the doings of their

friends, and make new friends. This source does not confirm my thesis, but does show that teens

are using social media more and making friends through the use of social media.

Teenagers and Social Media

Sitting behind a computer or head down towards a phone is becoming easier for people.

This is allowing people to lose the ability to truly express your feelings and to bounce ideas off

each other. “Norton Online Family Report (2010)” states that 2,800 children aged eight to

seventeen spend 1.6 hours a day online (Niemer). When asked, about 48% felt they were on the

internet too long, but did not change the time they spent on it. “Roiworld's Teens & Social

Networks Study (2010) states 600 children aged 13 - 17 years old spend 2 hours and 20 minutes

online” (Niemer). When asked, about 80% said they time they were spending online was on

social media sites.

While some still believe that hanging out is still a favorite thing for youth, others would

rather hang out on a social media site. Teens feel this allows them to come and go as they please

and to make new friends. Teens believe by using social media to communicate, they are able to

learn who they truly are and how they fit into the community in which they live.
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Fig. 2. Illustration of the use of social media while hanging out together (dailymail).

Overall, teens are spending countless hours online. They are finding that technology is

easier than having a face-to-face interaction. Teens are finding it easier to communicate their

feelings while behind a computer screen than with a group of friends. This source supports my

thesis on social media impacting face-to-face communication.

Social Media in China

One of the fastest growing areas in telecommunication is the use of “short message

service (SMS)” (Yaobin). SMS is the exchange of text messages. The “use of SMS has

increased since China Mobile introduced the service in 2001” (Yaobin). The number of users

exceeds 44.3 million. Many surveys suggest that the majority users are between 18 and 35 years

old.

SMS offers four functions in China. First, it allows people to chat. It is custom in China

when you talk you get to the point and not just chat. SMS has changed the way the Chinese

population are able to communicate with one another. They no longer need to meet and talk

instead they can send a short text especially during holidays. Second, it allows people to keep

updated on the news and weather forecast. SMS is not just being used to send a quick text, but to

keep up on the world around them. Third, it allows people to watch TV and radio programs.
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This is popular with the younger users by use of watching videos while out and about. Fourth, it

allows business clients to communicate. When having a meeting, you are able to hold this

meeting even if someone is not able to attend in office. “SMS will allow its users to express their

love or apologies to someone which can be difficult to do in a face-to-face conversation. Text

messages can be sent at any time and to anywhere” (Yaobin).

Overall, the Chinese community can use SMS to express themselves in a way that may be

difficult when face-to-face. They also find it easier to communicate because they can text

someone a message at any time and at anyplace, they would like. It can be a short message that

may occur over holidays. Although this source does not completely support my thesis, people in

China are finding it easier to express themselves freely with the use of social media.

Smartphones to Social Media

“Studies have shown that social media usage is dependent on whether a person is an

introvert or extrovert. Introverts may prefer to interact via social media because it takes the

place of having to speak to a person face-to-face. Extroverts tend to want to socialize via face-

to-face” (Carrier). People are using their social media when sitting next to a person instead of

talking with that individual. This shows how people are replacing face-to-face communication

with social media. Studies have shown that people are also using social media to communicate,

but also holding a face-to-face communication. This shows that people are not losing the ability

to hold a conversation while face-to-face.

Multitasking seems to be something that young adults are gaining through the use of

social media. They are able to surf the web, send and receive emails, text, send instant messages,

and watch television while talking with another person within the room. With this, it seems to

show that social media may be helping face-to-face communication. “Companies and computer
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programmers are creating information and communication technologies that influence the

socializing people are using on social media” (Carrier). Today, video games are played mostly

at home. People can not only play with friends who are present in room, but also with people in

different locations. This allows people to interact with others from around the world.

Facebook, which has increased in users in the past 15 years, is expanding to include

people not just in college, but to users as young as 13 years of age. “Studies have shown that

since 2011, over 90% of United States college students use Facebook. As of 2018, the time this

book was written, it seemed like almost every teen and young adult in the United States were

using Facebook. A national survey in 2015 found that 71% of 13 to 17-year-old used

Facebook. In 2013, studies showed that about 60% of Americans between 50 to 64 years of age

used social media. Adults 65 years or older, the percentage was 43%” (Carrier).

Overall, the time spent in a relationship online with others is intertwined with real

life. Online social media serves as an important outlet for teens and young adults as does the

face-to-face relationships. As on recent paper put it, “adolescents are living their social lives

online.” This source shows that more people are turning to social media to communicate and

express their feelings, but it is based on the type of person as to which is easier. Being an

introvert, it is easier to express yourself without having to be with the person, whereas, being an

extrovert, it is easier to express yourself in person with the individual.

Conclusion

Social media has changed the world. Teens are finding the use of technology to

communicate with current friends and making new friends. Even though some studies show the

difficulty teens seem to have when put in a situation where they are face-to-face with someone,

other studies show that teens are actually able to take the freedom of communicating online into
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the face-to-face interaction. From the use of texting, tweeting, and Facebooking, teens are

finding it easy to put their emotions out there for others to see. They are then able to express

those emotions when they meet with their friends.

People are finding it easy to find friends from high school and reconnecting with them.

Also, to making new friends based on common interests. Becoming friends is changing due to

social media. Becoming friends is no longer being an acquaintance that discover you have things

in common and decide you want to start handing out. Becoming friends has moved to still

finding that you have something in common, but instead of hanging out, you hang out by talking

on social media. Becoming friends could mean that you never meet the person outside of social

media. You are relying on the information they are giving you to make a decision on being their

friend.

As I researched this topic, I realized that I am not alone on spending so much of my time

on social media. I also realized that I spent too much time on social media. My life is going to

change soon. I will need to meet with college professors, advisors, employers, study groups, etc.

I also know that my profession will require me to have face-to-face interaction with my patients.

I have gained knowledge in how and why people spend so much time on social media. I would

agree with most that I found including the video games. I play games that I interact with people

I have never met, but still play video games with them. I also post on my social network sites

and stay connected with friends by checking their status. I have friends that are scattered across

the United States all by means of social media. To think about this though, I really do not know

these people. I know what they want me to know, but not the person they really are.

Although I do not intend to give up my social media, I do plan to make an attempt to

expand my face-to-face interactions with people. I need to get in the habit of communicating
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with people outside of technology. I need to start thinking about my friends list and figure out if

they are true friends or just social media friends.

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Works Cited:

Bordia, Prashant. “Face-to-Face Versus Computer-Mediated Communication: A Synthesis of the

Experimental Literature.” Journal of Business Communication, vol. 34, no. 1, Jan. 1997,

pp. 99-120. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/002194369703400106.

Carrier, Mark. From Smartphones to Social Media: How Technology Affects Our Brains and

Behavior. Greenwood, 2018.

Dailymail.com, Cecile Borkhataria For. “Facebook Says Messaging Apps Boost Social

Interaction.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 16 Nov. 2017,

www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5090265/Facebook-says-messaging-apps-boost-

social-interaction.html.

Keller, Maura. “Social Media and Interpersonal Communication.” Social Work Today, vol. 13,

no.3, May 2013, p. 10. EBSCOhost,

sinclair.ohionet.org:80/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&d

bAN=87824444&site=eds=live.

Lenhart, Amanda. “Chapter Four: Social Media and Friendships.” Pew Research Center, Pew

Research Center, 6 August 2015, http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/06/chapter-4-

social-media-and-friendships/. Accessed 16 January 2019.

Niemer, Ellen. Teenagers and Social Media.” Alive: Your Complete Source for Health and

Natural Wellness,

https://stillwaterschools.org/sites/default/files/public/downloads/news/social_media.pdf

Pentina, Iryna, et al. “Antecedents and Consequences of Emotional Disclosure in Social Media:

A Case of Facebook. “AMA Winter Educators’ Conference Proceedings, vol. 27, Jan.

2016, p. C-10-C-11. EBSCOhost,

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sinclair.ohionet.org:80/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&d

b=bth&AN=120167731&site=eds-live.

Yaobin Lu, et al. “Exploring Factors Affecting Chinese Consumers’ Usage of Short Message

Service for Personal Communication.” Information Systems Journal, vol. 20, no. 2, Mar.

2010, pp. 183-208. EBSCOhost. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2575.2008.00312. x.