The World I Know

Whether we like it or not, pieces of our lives are out there for everyone to see. With the mass-uprising of Social Media and information-sharing, we see three very distinct social-influences of our world. For one, the lines separating generations is more clear then ever before. Every new generation that reaches what I call 'computer age', the age in which parents start trusting their children to use the computer, the lifetime-amount of random personal information (that probably should remain personal) that gets shared online rises compared to the life-time amount of the generation previous, as does the level of detail . The second aspect of our world influenced by Social Media is the fact that new generations' lives are greatly influenced by the information they share. Any types of noticeable libel, risky behaviors and 'boss-bashing' could affect their chances of receiving any qualifiable jobs in the future or even keeping their current jobs. On the flip-side, any and all greatness and success one may have achieved could also greatly shape their life for the better. Social Media in all reality is a standard in reputation management, building and decline. Finally, the third influence Social Media has gained on our lives - the ability to save it.

The strangest thing is happening in our society because of the popularity and strength of Social Media and its fist mentioned social-influence. Our acquired ability to release our privacy to the world has actually turned into an amazing diagnostic tool as well as an intervention instigator. The reason the online community is turning into a successful diagnostic tool comes from the fact that when we feel/are ill, our instinct is to now research AND inquire about our symptoms. Those of us who have chronic symptoms that seem to get pushed aside or 'seemingly misdiagnosed' by our doctors and care providers tend to post symptoms to various Social Media tools (Facebook, Ask.Yahoo, Forums..etc) asking if anyone can correlate said symptoms to a particular disease/condition, or at the very least, a manageable list. The amazing aspect of this process is, lives are actually being saved. Not only are people with similar conditions who have been diagnosed posting answers but so are doctors and other care providers. Now we have a highly knowledgeable (for the most part) community banding together for the better cause!

Finally, about the intervention instigator - tools (mainly Facebook and similar) which allow status updates and photos to be posted are creating a window into people's afflictions. Alcoholism, depression, anorexia to name a few of the big diseases are fairly easy to diagnose by trending (watching a person change over time). For instance, people who post often that they have a hangover could very well be heading down the path towards alcoholism. People posting stories and stats over weight loss who are already very small for the height and age and continue to show frustration may be heading towards anorexia. The power of Social Media and sharing is undeniably powerful.

For one last thought in today's blog post - for those we care about - don't be afraid or ashamed at reading into and questioning the daily antics you may see on Facebook (or any other Social Network). Whenever bad things happen to someone we know and care about we always say the same thing - they seemed fine; they seemed happy. Is that what you are seeing or is that what you wanted to see?