Today I started classes for my second trimester. I’m taking an interactive media class where we talk about blogs, games, apps, websites, and all kinds of things that have a story one interacts with.
My journey with interactive media has been tentative. I remember when I first heard about Facebook, back in my freshman year of college, and it took me a year and a half to join. Then slowly things started getting added to the list.
- Blogger
- You Tube
- Word Press
And now Tumblr, as part of this interactive media class.
Once upon a time, I saw this very clever illustration:
Which is surprisingly accurate, despite the level of confidence I had when I got to Scotland.
But with all these blogs and social obligations and the ability to keep people in my life from all over the globe…right now I’m feeling like
Yes, the irony of complaining about social/interactive media in a blog post does not escape me.
There are many out there who argue that social media is ruining our lives, our ability to be social, and so forth.
While there are many who say that social media is allowing the world to expand in ways it never could before.
I’ve read a lot about this. My conclusion is that both are true. As always, it depends on how you use it, and how much you balance it with real life.
There’s nothing wrong with posting about something that makes you happy in order to share your feelings with others, or to make them happy as well (although plenty of people despise happy couple and baby updates, I personally think they are one of the best uses of social media). There is definitely nothing wrong with sharing information through blogs and social media (which is the best use in my opinion).
There is something wrong with using social media and online games to replace human connection and vitality.
Human interaction and online interaction should enhance each other and work as partners if you want to be successful in the online world. Otherwise, you may want to evaluate what you want from life!
Coming Through the Rye 