How Social Media has changed American Culture

I believe that the increase in social media has changed the way Americans spend their time, and our way of life. (http://derekshowerman.com/2010/11/17/5-ways-social-media-has-changed-american-culture/).  One thing facebook has done is become a much used replacement for sending birthday cards in the mail (Derek Showerman, 2010). This increases the value of cards sent in the mail. For example, on my last birthday, many people I know, but don’t really know that well sent me happy birthday wishes on facebook. Although this made me feel more connected, it made me feel less valued, feeling like people will only take the time to talk to me online, and not outside of that. The increasing busyness of our lives, lead to facebook, the only way sometimes to keep track of what’s happening.

                In addition, I think that Facebook has increased the danger of being taken advantage of by people who you don’t know, or don’t know deeply. This stalking has caused much danger and distress. For example, “They had a quick conversation about Kings of Leon, who was being sold at the cashier counter in Starbucks” “The conversation ended with the guy saying, and I quote; “hey what is your last name, I would love to stalk you on Facebook and Twitter!” “Without batting an eye the girl gave out her name and seemed excited to be “stalked” by this stranger!” (Derek Showerman, 2010).

            Facebook has also changed courtesies. This includes, not texting while driving, not talking on the cell phone when listening to someone, and at the dinner table. For example, “While I was waiting for her to arrive, I looked around the rest and saw people texting, no doubt checking into Foursquare and taking pictures of their food” (Derek Showerman, 2010). This affects relationships for many people, as people are starting to spend less time with each other, and more time checking facebook. This has also led to an increase of distractions for those that are doing homework, and doing jobs requiring their full attention. “Today, it is about giving tips while you eat your 3 courses at a restaurant you really may or may not care about!” (Derek Showerman, 2010).
            Adding on, Facebook has changed relationships, and how they are conveyed, bringing a bigger audience to any relationship change, something that causes much gossip (Derek Showerman, 2010). For example, people use Facebook to show when they get engaged, married, have kids, and if they get divorced, by changing it from married to single (Derek Showerman, 2010). Also, people use it to remember important dates including birthdays.
            Facebook has changed News to be Political, and politics to be religious (Derek Showerman, 2010). “Today everyone is part of the news, and because of that there are many times news items are delivered with a political or religious spin” “The end result is a melted separation of church and state” (Derek Showerman, 2010). Trying to have a Christmas party ends up becoming a religious and political debate. People end up turning news into a political debate sometimes.
Social media has also caused literacy among young people to increase. For example, “Simply put, social media has helped children become more literate” “Indeed, Eurostat recently published a report drawing a correlation between education and online activity, which found that online activity increased with the level of formal activity…”(http://mashable.com/2010/01/07/social-media-changed-us/). In conclusion, social media has changed our way of life greatly to be more on social media sites, than talking to a friend in person.

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