Social Media and Its Risk

Factors that contribute to feeling connected in social media and the development of homophily

Social media is based on gaining the attention of others. The media posted or advertised has the plan to gain or persuade the user. These materials gain some spark of emotions, some good and some bad. Some factors that contribute to social media emotions include the sense of belonging to something or the feeling of connections either with an individual or group. Another factor is the allowance of freedom to express oneself without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Homophily allows for users to be vulnerable and to connect with like-minded people. https://dsmith633.medium.com/social-media-plays-on-our-minds-180e70253267. It is suggested when someone expresses personal experiences or circumstances with others that can relate, they experience the pleasure of a tight connection and experience emotional empathy when the user can relate to the topic. Wei (2020)

Algorithms and cognitive biases can intensify homophily and contribute to isolation

People within the same group and beliefs usually support each other. Everyone interprets things individually. Algorithms and cognitive biases can intensify homophily due to worldwide access and convenient accessibility. Algorithms can have a positive and negative effect. Positive because it allows users to share opinions and interests with like-minded- people and negative because, based on the context, the information may be misleading, biased, and based on the user’s interest and history. Some people tend to compare themselves to others’ lifestyles, which in most cases are elaborated on lifestyles. Someone might feel left out as if their life should be similar. A study conducted in Britain showed that a large percentage of students are pathological internet users. This study showed that using the internet at this level causes interpersonal, social, and academic problems. It has also proven that users at a high level suffer from low self-esteem and are more socially disconnected. Widerhold (2016)

Constructive steps people can take to prevent these potential risks in their use of social media

It is always safe to second guest anything shared on the internet. There is always a reason, purpose, or cause. Each user should keep this mind frame when strolling on social media. When in doubt, do your research, fact checks from reliable sources. Please keep in mind that people post information for a reaction, but the story may not be accurate or manipulated, or altered.

References

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, Brenda K. Wiederhold. Jun 2016.359–359.http://doi.org.library.capella.edu/10.1089/cyber.2016.29037.bkw Volume: 19 Issue 6: June 21, 2016

Reactions to others’ misfortune on social media: Effects of homophily and publicness on schadenfreude, empathy, and perceived deservingness LewenWei,BingjieLiu Received 29 March 2019, Revised 9 July 2019, Accepted 2 August 2019, Available online 2 August 2019