Topher Calder

Social networking to many has become almost an addiction. Instead of talking to people face to

face, too many sit alone craving simulated human experiences. Some argue this is taken to

such extremes in particular cases that people become virtually isolated from other human

beings and that their ability to communicate in person, one on one, is severely compromised.

On the other hand, social networking has allowed many to express themselves in incredible new

ways, and maintain many long distance relationships that otherwise would have been

completely unattainable.

The upside to social networking cannot be over stated. The human achievement in

knowledge and expression has even been recognized by an esteemed psychologist named

David Brooks. He has stated, Happiness is determined by how much information and affection

flows through us. Human beings crave acceptance from their peers and social media has

created a perfect medium in which a simple post can receive instant gratification. For example,

Facebook has a like button upon which some people place a greater importance than having

real people surrounding them (Shackleford).

All of this doesnt necessarily show that Facebook and other forms of social media lead

to social misfits estranged from the reality of human relationships. Rather, it demonstrates basic

human nature that seeks acceptance from peers. The likes on Facebook give humans, such

as the one in the short film, instant feedback. There is no need for interpretation or subjective

analysis that often complicate human relationships and communications. There is no guess

work. No question about does he or she like what I said (posted)? The normal uncertainty often

present when people try to communicate subjective feelings and thoughts is not present with a

like on Facebook. It is clear and unambiguous. It is instantaneous without the awkward pauses

that sometimes get in the way in face to face communications. In a one on one personal setting,
human beings with sophisticated ways of showing emotions can end up in misunderstandings

and reactions that are either not wanted or perhaps just misunderstood. With Facebook likes

these type of communication issues are not present.

Just after food, water, and shelter, belonging and acceptance is the next most primal

need of man (Mazlow). The internet allows a person to receive this acceptance from many

friends and acquaintances that otherwise would not be possible. This presents the allure of the

internet. It fulfills our primal need for immediate and unequivocal acceptance by our peers.

Humans crave such expressions which are so readily available on the internet. David Brooks

claims of how happiness is the amount of affection that flows through us is completely true.

Little could be better evidence of this than by seeing how immensely popular social media and

the internet are.

Some may say that social networking is a trivial task lacking any real thought. A few

even claim that it is a threat to thinking itself (Deligher). But it is the triviality and

meaninglessness of communications that social networking allows that gives it the unique

human touch of life that makes it so special. Before the Internet existed, it could take weeks if

not months to talk to people throughout the world. We are fortunate to live in a time where that

is no longer the case.

Some people cannot see the upside of the internet. They argue that it simply results in a

large group of similar ideas. Further, they contend it inspires mediocrity. They would have the

leaders and scholars of the world stay away from such a heap of nothingness that lacks

creativity or knowledge (Emerson). Those who so argue do not appreciate that people not only

work better in groups, but all can be the beneficiaries of knowledge gained through a group

effort communicating freely with one another. All can strive to further achieve greatness and

perhaps one day that small, young, naive pupil can have a flash of brilliance that will forever
change the world. Without the knowledge gained through the cooperative process of shared

learning, perhaps that discovery might remain undiscovered and overlooked.

The internet provides the most vast and knowledgeable source of information the world

has ever seen. No library in history can compare to it. In days past, the dispersion of knowledge

could take years and even centuries. Now people can instantly access the vast treasures of

knowledge available on the internet. Our thoughts are continually molded by history (Brook).

That being the case, the internet is the greatest source of history the world has ever seen.

The Internet, although seen by some as simply a cheap trick that youth use to

distract themselves from the real world, is a tool that anyone can use to express themselves in

ways never seen before. These expressions have lead to an exponential growth in our near

infinite archives to achieve something beyond the reach of mankind in days past.

I chose to redo the main middle chunk which i had in my main Essay. I had basically left

it as one long paragraph with many run-on sentences. The idea of it was mainly good, however,

the flow of the paragraph changed frequently. I hope I didn't redo too much of the essay but I did

what i did. Take it or leave it.