I have come to the end of my Psychology of Social Media course, and I am brought to reflection about how I truly feel about social media. As we have studied different social media platforms, I have seen things I like and dislike about each of them. I have gained a greater idea of how I want to use social media and how much I want it in my life. But the most surprising thing that I have learned is that my opinions of social media are evolving just as much as the media and technology itself.
I came into my Psychology of Social Media class with an open mind. Having used social media on my mission, I knew that there was much good that could be done and I wanted to be a part of it. The course has shown me a whole new way of looking at things in regards to the Internet and social media. The best conclusion that I have come to is that social media was given to us to do good, but that it is also being used for evil, and it is our own personal choice to decide how we use it. We need to stay in control of our media and not allow it to control us. Using social media can be very fulfilling and can bring many good things, but I feel that what we experience online comes secondary to the things we experience in real life.
I have come to appreciate and like social media more over the years, but I still think that it needs to be used with wisdom and in moderation. And we have to realize that it is constantly evolving, and so our ways of regulating it have to be adapted from time to time as well. I used to be very critical of social media. I used it from time to time, and I saw how it negatively affected me and those around me when used too much. But my opinion has evolved as I have come to learn more about it. Now that I have a better understanding of what is out there, I have a greater capacity to make decisions on how to use social media to benefit my life and the lives of those around me.
The things that social media and the Internet can do are simply extraordinary. But we at times forget that all the things that are amplified by the Internet and social media already existed. The world before the Internet had just as much information, but the Internet gave us as individuals to access that information. People had remarkable talents before there was YouTube, but social media has created a virtual audience that spans the entire world. People communicated with each other, sharing ideas and inspiration before there was Twitter and Facebook, but again these platforms amplified the communication between individuals all over the world.
The truth is, we live in a digital world that is constantly evolving and changing. We can fear these new medias and technology and hide from them, or we can learn about them and use them in a way that benefits our lives and takes us one step closer to making the world a better place. We don't have to change our values or opinions in order to embrace a new way of doing things. I for one am set on my standards and goals, and I plan to use the tools I have been given to make something wonderful.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Friday, June 5, 2015
Finding Balance in a Tech-Savvy World
I recently got my first iPhone. I knew I should get a smartphone because of my Psychology of Social Media class, as I needed to be able to access the internet and I don't have a personal computer yet. With very little knowledge of any of the choices for smartphones, I chose the option that I knew best, the iPhone. Having used an iPad mini on my mission, I figured that it would be an easy transition into using the iPhone, and it was.
From the moment I got my phone, I knew that I had started a battle with the temptation to become enslaved by the technology now in my palm. It's a battle that I will likely be fighting for the rest of my life, but I know that it is worth the fight. While I understand that technology is wonderful and can help us do so much good, it is a distraction in many ways and can be used for evil purposes as well.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency gave a talk in General Conference about focusing on the things that matter most and not letting distractions keep us from doing the work we have been called to do.
"Sometimes the things that distract us are not bad in and of themselves; often they even make us feel good. It is possible to take even good things to excess...We need balance in life."
I know that President Uchtdorf's words are true. We cannot allow ourselves or our families to become slaves to technology. A Book of Mormon prophet said, "O be wise; what can I say more?" In all things we need to use wisdom.
There are dangers of overusing our technology. After spending most of a day using my new iPhone, for good things, I had quite the headache from staring at a little screen. There are physical, mental, and social consequences of using technology, and we are beginning to see it more and more in the world. I have decided to set limits for the way I use my technology. I turned off notifications to social media on my phone so that I am not prompted to check whenever I see a notification. I do not have any games on my phone. I turn off my cellular data unless I need it so that I can only use the internet at certain places that have wifi. I don't text or listen to music while I'm walking (though that is partly because of the music geek in me that likes to listen to the music around me). All in all, I am finding that while my phone is useful for a lot of things, I don't have to use it for everything, and I want to keep it that way.
From the moment I got my phone, I knew that I had started a battle with the temptation to become enslaved by the technology now in my palm. It's a battle that I will likely be fighting for the rest of my life, but I know that it is worth the fight. While I understand that technology is wonderful and can help us do so much good, it is a distraction in many ways and can be used for evil purposes as well.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency gave a talk in General Conference about focusing on the things that matter most and not letting distractions keep us from doing the work we have been called to do.
I know that President Uchtdorf's words are true. We cannot allow ourselves or our families to become slaves to technology. A Book of Mormon prophet said, "O be wise; what can I say more?" In all things we need to use wisdom.
There are dangers of overusing our technology. After spending most of a day using my new iPhone, for good things, I had quite the headache from staring at a little screen. There are physical, mental, and social consequences of using technology, and we are beginning to see it more and more in the world. I have decided to set limits for the way I use my technology. I turned off notifications to social media on my phone so that I am not prompted to check whenever I see a notification. I do not have any games on my phone. I turn off my cellular data unless I need it so that I can only use the internet at certain places that have wifi. I don't text or listen to music while I'm walking (though that is partly because of the music geek in me that likes to listen to the music around me). All in all, I am finding that while my phone is useful for a lot of things, I don't have to use it for everything, and I want to keep it that way.
Friday, May 29, 2015
"Hasten My Work"
I am a firm believer that the new and evolving technologies that we have are here for the purpose of doing the Lord's work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:73 the Lord reveals, "Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." I became increasingly aware of this on my mission as we used iPads to keep records and teach people the Gospel. We had so many tools right at our fingertips to help people learn and accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition to electronic versions of scriptures, we had access to hundreds of videos to help us teach principles and give those we were teaching the chance to hear from the living Apostles and Prophets. We also had access to social medias such as Facebook, Skype, and Facetime, which we were able to use to teach people and share inspirational messages online.
While we were using these technologies and social media platforms, I noticed that they have provided us with unlimited opportunities to #sharegoodness around the world. Social media has become the most quick and efficient way to get information out. While this is being used for evil purposes to spread false information and bad news, it has increased our capability to make the world a better place. With a simple click, we have the power to share powerful and inspiring messages that can reach the world.
With these new tools, online activism has become a common practice in our culture and society. Through liking and sharing posts we can feel that we are involved in a greater cause. These shared messages encourage and inspire people to become more involved in supporting good causes to make positive changes in the world. While raising awareness and getting the message out is only the first step to making the change, it is making a positive impact. Some may say that this "slacktivism" is causing us to be more lazy and not actually get involved beyond sharing things online, but every piece comes together. Not everyone can be directly involved in a certain cause, but there is good that comes from having as many people as possible involved even in indirect ways.
However, the most important work that we can do is right in our own towns. We may not be able to go to a third-world country and help people in need, but we can be a great influence in our own communities, helping our neighbors with everyday acts of kindness. As long as we are giving our best efforts in any way we can, we are part of the hastening of the Lord's work.
While we were using these technologies and social media platforms, I noticed that they have provided us with unlimited opportunities to #sharegoodness around the world. Social media has become the most quick and efficient way to get information out. While this is being used for evil purposes to spread false information and bad news, it has increased our capability to make the world a better place. With a simple click, we have the power to share powerful and inspiring messages that can reach the world.
With these new tools, online activism has become a common practice in our culture and society. Through liking and sharing posts we can feel that we are involved in a greater cause. These shared messages encourage and inspire people to become more involved in supporting good causes to make positive changes in the world. While raising awareness and getting the message out is only the first step to making the change, it is making a positive impact. Some may say that this "slacktivism" is causing us to be more lazy and not actually get involved beyond sharing things online, but every piece comes together. Not everyone can be directly involved in a certain cause, but there is good that comes from having as many people as possible involved even in indirect ways.
However, the most important work that we can do is right in our own towns. We may not be able to go to a third-world country and help people in need, but we can be a great influence in our own communities, helping our neighbors with everyday acts of kindness. As long as we are giving our best efforts in any way we can, we are part of the hastening of the Lord's work.
Friday, May 22, 2015
The Dark Side Has Cookies
Before this week, I had never heard of the Dark Web. Maybe it's because I am not very computer literate, and maybe it's because I have somewhat sheltered myself when it comes to the internet. I always knew the internet could be used for evil purposes as well as good, but I didn't understand the depth of those uses until now.
I can see why the Dark Web has appeal. It can be used to do so many things and is under the radar of the general public. It is a growing network that can be completely independent and can do more things than we can imagine. If there was a persona for the Dark Web it would be none other than Darth Vader.
Yes, he has power and is very charismatic, but do we really need the "cookies" that the Dark Web has to offer? There are positive uses for the Dark Web, especially in cases when a higher authority is oppressing and distorting information. There are things that the Dark Web can do that are moral and can have positive effects. However, my opinion is that the Dark Web has more evil than good, more darkness than light, and it is not to be messed with. This is a perfect case where curiosity could lead to your demise.
There is so much good that we can use the internet for without having to dip below the surface web. We need to be aware of what is out there so that we can be prepared to counteract the evil that will be thrown at us, but we can't embrace the evil of the internet.
Do you really want the cookies from the Dark Side? I think they will make you sick. Stick to Grandma's recipe.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Social Media: Distraction or Blessing?
In Psychology of Social Media, we have been talking about online videos and memes. It's been really interesting to see the science behind how things work with online media and how it is evolving and becoming a big part of our culture. Videos and pictures seem to be the biggest forms of entertainment now, especially through the medium of social medias. It's no surprise, of course, that images and videos are everywhere, because it is what attracts the attention of the viewers.
On my mission, I had the opportunity of using Facebook as a proselyting tool, but it took a lot of self discipline to not waste time on Facebook. Even if there is something very specific we get online to do, we are instantly bombarded with distractions which can pull us away from our focus. I will be the first to admit that Facebook can be a distraction to me, and as a missionary I struggled keeping my focus while on Facebook, but I learned a valuable lesson. If we let the media control our actions, then we are going to be lead down paths of unproductive and in some cases evil paths. But if we focus on the good and stay in control of what we watch and look at on social media, we will continue to see the benefits that social media can have.
It's been a great blessing to be studying at a University where we can link secular and spiritual learning. Reading talks from General Conference about technology and media has made a big difference in my perspective. President Dieter F Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency, in his talk "Of Things that Matter Most" highlights the importance of slowing down and focusing on the things that matter most. We live in a very busy world, where we feel an expectation to always be doing something. While we need to be productive with our lives, we can't be busy all the time or we will eventually exhaust ourselves. We need to find a balance in our lives, centered on the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This week at Devotional we had the wonderful opportunity to hear the words of Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as well as Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President and Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy. The theme of the devotional was "The Power of Faith," and each speaker gave a unique perspective on how we can exercise faith in our lives. I believe that when we put our trust in the Lord, we will be able to use tools like social media to better live our faith and keep our focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
On my mission, I had the opportunity of using Facebook as a proselyting tool, but it took a lot of self discipline to not waste time on Facebook. Even if there is something very specific we get online to do, we are instantly bombarded with distractions which can pull us away from our focus. I will be the first to admit that Facebook can be a distraction to me, and as a missionary I struggled keeping my focus while on Facebook, but I learned a valuable lesson. If we let the media control our actions, then we are going to be lead down paths of unproductive and in some cases evil paths. But if we focus on the good and stay in control of what we watch and look at on social media, we will continue to see the benefits that social media can have.
It's been a great blessing to be studying at a University where we can link secular and spiritual learning. Reading talks from General Conference about technology and media has made a big difference in my perspective. President Dieter F Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency, in his talk "Of Things that Matter Most" highlights the importance of slowing down and focusing on the things that matter most. We live in a very busy world, where we feel an expectation to always be doing something. While we need to be productive with our lives, we can't be busy all the time or we will eventually exhaust ourselves. We need to find a balance in our lives, centered on the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This week at Devotional we had the wonderful opportunity to hear the words of Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as well as Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President and Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy. The theme of the devotional was "The Power of Faith," and each speaker gave a unique perspective on how we can exercise faith in our lives. I believe that when we put our trust in the Lord, we will be able to use tools like social media to better live our faith and keep our focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Left Behind?
Is social media taking over? Those who are not using social media as their main means of reaching others are being viewed as "left behind." So where is traditional media going? Will there still be people using traditional media in twenty years?
As I have been learning more about social media, I have realized that I have been one of those who are "left behind" in a sense. It has taken me a long time to get used to the idea of using certain forms of social media. Before my mission I had my phone, which was only average intelligence, and I had a Facebook account. I saw extensive use of technology as unnecessary and quite frankly a waste of time. I much preferred the good-old face-to-face conversation.
My mission taught me to appreciate the amazing uses of social media and the technology that makes it possible. When we received the new iPad training, Elder Evans of the Seventy said something that made a powerful impression on me. He said in effect, "You must look at your device as you look at a pen. It is merely a tool to bring about the Lord's work. It is not something to be obsessive over." I finally had some insight to the right way to look at technology and social media. Just as anything that is good, it can be used for foolish and unrighteous purposes. In this ever expanding digital world, we need to find a balance so that we don't rely too heavily on technology and social media. When we rely on it too much, we are in danger of sacrificing other basic survival needs. What is really more important, our communication and connection with others, or our own safety? Are those who regulate how much they use technology and social media being "left behind?"
I don't think so. I think people are starting to catch on to the real purpose of technology and social media in our lives. It is not merely an entertainment and distraction. When we allow it to be so, there are many negative consequences. While there is a place for entertainment, technology and social media can do so much more. It can be the bridge between us and success in just about every profession. We have the need to be connected, and we will always find ways to do so.
While traditional media may have become inferior to the more versatile realm of social media, I feel that there is still a place for it. I feel that traditional and social media can work together to continue the growth of our society.
As I have been learning more about social media, I have realized that I have been one of those who are "left behind" in a sense. It has taken me a long time to get used to the idea of using certain forms of social media. Before my mission I had my phone, which was only average intelligence, and I had a Facebook account. I saw extensive use of technology as unnecessary and quite frankly a waste of time. I much preferred the good-old face-to-face conversation.
My mission taught me to appreciate the amazing uses of social media and the technology that makes it possible. When we received the new iPad training, Elder Evans of the Seventy said something that made a powerful impression on me. He said in effect, "You must look at your device as you look at a pen. It is merely a tool to bring about the Lord's work. It is not something to be obsessive over." I finally had some insight to the right way to look at technology and social media. Just as anything that is good, it can be used for foolish and unrighteous purposes. In this ever expanding digital world, we need to find a balance so that we don't rely too heavily on technology and social media. When we rely on it too much, we are in danger of sacrificing other basic survival needs. What is really more important, our communication and connection with others, or our own safety? Are those who regulate how much they use technology and social media being "left behind?"
I don't think so. I think people are starting to catch on to the real purpose of technology and social media in our lives. It is not merely an entertainment and distraction. When we allow it to be so, there are many negative consequences. While there is a place for entertainment, technology and social media can do so much more. It can be the bridge between us and success in just about every profession. We have the need to be connected, and we will always find ways to do so.
While traditional media may have become inferior to the more versatile realm of social media, I feel that there is still a place for it. I feel that traditional and social media can work together to continue the growth of our society.
Friday, May 1, 2015
"For Such a Time As This"
Having just returned from my service as a full-time missionary, I am slowly adjusting to post-mission life. Part of that adjusting is using technology and social media again. I had the chance in my mission to have an iPad for proselyting and was able to participate in online proselyting through Facebook and Skype. Before my mission I was a bit wary of technology and social media, because I saw how it can be misused. I knew that it could be used for many good things, but I didn't know my place in doing good with technology and social media. My mission has taught me that I have a great purpose in being here at this time and in this digital age. We as missionaries could reach more people working online than knocking on doors, and we were able to find a balance between the two to find people to teach. Through technology and social media, the Church of Jesus Christ has been able to share the Gospel message with the entire world. It was so wonderful to be a part of the Lord's work in this manner.
We know of the good that technology and social media can do to help us be connected and share the Gospel, but as in everything in life, we need to have balance. In the Ted talk we watched in my Psychology of Social Media class, the speaker discussed the importance of having time away from being connected, to have time for ourselves and build a personal foundation. I like that point, and I have seen that time away from social media can be liberating and can help us be more in tune with the Spirit.
My mind is brought to the story in the Bible of Esther. When asked to sacrifice her life for her people, her uncle Mordecai asked her, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). The same question can be asked when faced with the challenges of using technology and social media for productive purposes. We have been called to be here at this time in this digital age so that we can bring about the Lord's purpose. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord." As we continue to find balance and use social media for righteous purposes, we can truly see miracles in our lives.
We know of the good that technology and social media can do to help us be connected and share the Gospel, but as in everything in life, we need to have balance. In the Ted talk we watched in my Psychology of Social Media class, the speaker discussed the importance of having time away from being connected, to have time for ourselves and build a personal foundation. I like that point, and I have seen that time away from social media can be liberating and can help us be more in tune with the Spirit.
My mind is brought to the story in the Bible of Esther. When asked to sacrifice her life for her people, her uncle Mordecai asked her, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). The same question can be asked when faced with the challenges of using technology and social media for productive purposes. We have been called to be here at this time in this digital age so that we can bring about the Lord's purpose. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, "Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord." As we continue to find balance and use social media for righteous purposes, we can truly see miracles in our lives.
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