In many ways, the birth of social media was the birthing of a completely new society. As a millennial born in 1994 I feel as if I’ve watched theology and the world of social media evolve right before my eyes. I vividly remember the days of dial- up internet, zoom mp3 players, and flip phones with polyphonic ringtones. We have since , come a long way from that. The film, The Social Network was set in 2003 on the campus of Harvard University. Social media was still on the up and coming when computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg pioneered the culture of social media forever.
The birth of social media soon created a society of people who used the internet to connect by understanding the importance of communication. Zuckerberg mastered the concept of allowing people to communicate using language and symbols but most importantly, by understanding that people want to communicate with those who they share the same value with (pg. 37) as well as culture interest ( pg.38) According to the text book, a cultures values are the standards its uses to judge how good, desirable, or beautiful something is. Values vary across the globe. Page 37 of the textbook states, values can be interpreted as power, achievement, hedonism, stimulation, self- direction, universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity, and security. Social media, specifically Facebook has successfully incorporated all ten of those values making it the world’s most popular social media site with more than 1.8 billion active users according to weforum.org.
The expansion of social media allows billions of people to connect all over the world. In the world of social media, an 18-year old Chinese native senior in high-school can connect with a sophomore at the Colombia University on just about any social media platform to ask questions about the University and seek advice on what to expect as a freshman in the fall. In many ways, social media has become the modern-day pen pal for many, expect through social media, we’re given the opportunity to connect with billions of people simultaneously.
Connecting with people around the globe has created a society of its own. There’s a common language used on social media that is universal and can be understood in many cultures. For example, the term ‘LOL’ which is an abbreviation of laughing out loud is used to describe something as comical. This new society has even been recognized at The Social Media Awards hosted by BET network. This awards show highlights the most comical, unforgettable, best podcast, and best selfies of the year. Another example that social media is indeed a world of its own.
The film The Social Network, reminds viewers that social media has evolved into a society that anyone can belong to. Just allow the username and password to serve as your birth certificate and social security number and you’re in there! Through social grouping, customs, and cultures, social media is truly a world of its own. A world where you can plug in through your computer, laptop, or on your phone and submerge yourself in conversation with strangers on similar interest, world news, comedy, upcoming events in your city, or connect with family.