Pros and Cons of Social Media

The society we live in today largely revolves around social media.  As a "typical" millennial, I often find myself using different social media apps on a daily basis.  Many of the social media apps I used are pictured to the left.  My favorites include Instagram and Pinterest.  One of the most recent social media sites I just started to use because of this class is LinkedIn.  With all of these various forms of social media come different pros and cons.

I believe there are five positive factors that individuals can gain by using social media.  First, is it easy to keep in contact with someone.  Second, using social media allows instant reactions and messages within seconds; this allows quick communication and information to be spread faster.  The third benefit social media provides is making connections that you would not be able to make connections with.  Making these connections can help provide future job opportunities, internships, and even scholarships.  The fourth benefit of social media is something I was taught in MCOM 241... which is branding yourself.  By branding yourself on social media, you can instantly share what you are good at and what you are interested in.  The fifth benefit is being able to access information quickly.

Along with the different pros of social media, there are also cons.  The first con having social media is that if you post something that is inappropriate or when you are upset, it can cause controversy and give you a bad reputation online.  Second is the issue of cyber-bullying; this can be an issue from kids posting mean comments on an Instagram picture to someone making death threats over messenger.  The third issue with social media is that when it is over-used, it can be a distractions... especially for students who might put off studying or homework because they are busy scrolling through different news-feeds or chatting on various forms of social media.  The next issue I believe social media can cause is for individuals to feel insecure about themselves.  I have witnessed young girls comparing themselves to celebrities and size 0 models due to the large access to these famous individuals' social media accounts.  Some articles and studies I read talk about how social media has impacted eating and body image disorders.  The fifth issue I see that social media causes is the need for "more, more, more".  This can simply be explained in the overused phrase "keeping up with the Jones's".  Social media can allow people to brag about the newest shoes they just purchased or a new video game.  This impacts other people because it makes them want these items as well.

Personally, I think it is important to understand not only the positive factors social media has on my life... but also the negative factors as well.  Here are a few links that give relative information about some of the different pros and cons I previously discussed and even some brand new ideas!

Article Topics with Links:
Pros/Cons Social Media
http://www.toptensocialmedia.com/social-media-social-buzz/10-pros-and-cons-of-social-media/

Students and Social Media
http://www.technicianonline.com/opinion/article_d1142b70-5a92-11e5-86b4-cb7c98a6e45f.html

Social Media and Eating Disorders
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/media-body-image-and-eating-disorders

Hope you enjoyed my blog and the various reads! :)

Words from

Chesney Jo

My Millennial Blog

My name is Chesney Garnos.  Currently, I am going to be a junior at the University of South Dakota. I am a political science major with a minor in social media and marketing. Living life as a millennial can be very complex at times. Growing up in a small town in South Dakota, I was fortunate to be raised by parents who taught me the value of hard work, respect, keeping strong connections, and other values.  Each millennial story is different... but one thing many of us millennials have in common here in the United States is growing up with different forms of media such as television or social media.  I have always been interested in many things in my life including music, fitness, reading, faith, and politics. All of these areas that have been of interest of me can all relate through forms of media.  Media, especially social media plays a large role in many of our daily lives today.  I think that it is important to understand how we are affected by the media around us.

Two of my main passions in life include helping others and traveling.  I believe it is important to help people out because growing up, people in my community were always willing to give me a helping hand.  This was a characteristic I valued, so it is something I try to practice on a daily basis.  Whether it is a simple gesture such as holding the door open for someone, or assisting someone with a project, I am always willing to help out.  My other main passion in life is traveling.  I have been very fortunate to have traveled various places in the United States and outside of the States as well.  Some of my favorite places include the Bahamas, Switzerland, Colorado, and Arizona.  The reason why I enjoy traveling so much is that each area is different, which allows an individual to learn new things and take in new places.  I think traveling also makes you appreciate the area you grew up in as well.  Though I may not always live in South Dakota, I will always respect South Dakota.  It will always be home.

My current aspiration in life right now is to make a positive impact on the people around me and living life according to God's word.  Some of the ways I am trying to make a difference is be a fitness/health motivator to teenage girls up to college women.  I have been doing weekly reminders over text message on ways to motivate yourself to workout and to fuel your body with proper nutrition.  I am trying to live my life according to God's word in everything I do.  Whether it is homework, research, the internship I am doing, or how I treat people, I am trying to keep this as my main focus.  I look forward to seeing where the journey of life and adventure takes me!

Here is one of my favorite blog posts I have come across while scrolling through Facebook:
 http://thoughtcatalog.com/marisa-donnelly/2016/04/27-beautiful-bible-verses-for-every-woman/.
This blog is just a daily reminder filled with Bible verses that helped me realize I wanted to help girls/young women out who struggle with body image.

I hope you enjoyed! :)

Words from Chesney Jo