The Effect of Social Media On Children

Social Media can be used in almost every situation in life today, even when our children are concerned. There are negatives that can be associated with Social Media, such as sexting and cyberbullying, that are a concern for parents, teachers, and society. But there are many positives that can be gleaned from Social Media for our children. With the technology today, children can learn communication, social and technical skills by using media such as: Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Second Life. These sites give children the ability to build relationships and keep in contact with classmates like never before. According to statistics 75%of teenagers now own cell phones, and 25% use them for social media, 54% use them for texting, and 24% use them for instant messaging. Thus, a large part of this generation’s social and emotional development is occurring while on the Internet and on cellphones.
The risks associated with Social Media cannot be denied nor overlooked by parents and teachers. As a parent, one must monitor at all times what is being said and done by children using Social Media. Privacy of a minor should never be an issue when it comes to what they are saying, texting or viewing. Remember who is the parent, and EXERCISE that right.


Site:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2011-0054v1

Social Media's Role in Politics

The 2012 Presidential Election campaign is now getting under way, and President Obama is pulling out the stops with Social Media in order to get re-elected. He announced his candidacy through Social Media's main platforms: Facebook, Tweeter and Youtube. He reached over seven million users through his Tweeter account and encouraged voter to "Just Say Your In.".Obama released a 2-minute video on Youtube with supporters giving reasons why he should be given another term. On Facebook, Obama asked for donations while giving an array of items from T-shirts to bumper stickers for there support. President Obama won the 2008 election from the use of Social Media, and as anyone who has success before, why would they change a winning combination?
Social Media has become such a large part of our lives that candidates must embrace it or plan on losing any hope of winning an election. Marketing and branding  has become such a large part of the political landscape today, that in many ways issues sometimes take a backseat, in order to promote and protect the brand of the candidate. In 2012, we will elect our next president, whether it's Barak Obama or some other candidate, democrat or republican, politics in America will never be the same. I encourage every American to vote for the candidate of their choosing, but I ask that we make it a vote on issues and not a popularity contest.