Should we quit social media?

Social media is something that plays a big role in my current everyday life. It's how I communicate with friends, see news and is just something I use a lot. After watching a TED talk on why we should quit social media, I didn't exactly agree with what Newport was saying. According to Cal Newport,(an assistant professor in computer science at Georgetown University) social media is, "not a fundamental technology, it's just a source of entertainment." I disagree with what he has to say here because it isn't "just" a source of entertainment. Sure, entertainment is a very big part of social media. But my main news source is social media. I talk to friends over social media when I'm not actually with them in person. I make plans, and know where I need to be at what time because of social media. Social media has helped me in so many ways. 

                                                   TED talk about why we should quit social media(Newport)

I think a lot of this is a generational thing. Usually people who weren't brought up with social media in there lives, don't have it because they are used to life without it. That's why quitting social media isn't the right option for everyone. Some people could be better off without it and I understand that completely. However, if it doesn't have a negative impact on someone, why should they not use it. Maybe they are better off with it. It really depends on the person and the generation in my opinion.

I have learned so many valuable things through social media that have helped me. To be honest, I have felt more educated ever since I've used social media. Through social media, I understand more of what is going on in the world. I have a better understanding on the idea of perspectives and how people view certain topics or ideas. That has actually helped me with this blog as well.

This is a topic that could really go either way depending on the generation or the perspective of different people. In my opinion we shouldn't quit social media. I think you can experience and understand things in a more modern, productive way. I think social media really is a good opportunity for not only entertainment and happiness, but also a source of education that seems normal.  

Works Cited

Newport, Cal. "Why You Should Quit Social Media ." June 2016. Ted.com, TED Conferences , June 2016, www.ted.com/talks/cal_newport_why_you_should_quit_social_media/transcript. Accessed 25 Nov. 2019. Lecture.

"Quit Social Media| Dr. Cal Newport| TEDxTysons." YouTube, 19 Sept. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E7hkPZ-HTk. Accessed 25 Nov. 2019.