THIRD DISCUSSION FORUM ASSIGNMENT

A PERSONAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF MASS AND SOCIAL MEDIA AS AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

Instructions:

I grow increasing bored with people talking about the impact that smart phones play in the socialization of individuals, especially those in younger age groups.  However, I would be foolish not to recognize the undeniably important role that phones do play in most of our lives.  I would like to note that articles and other conversations about the impact of smart phones (and their many related apps) often leave out, or dismiss out-of-hand, important discussions about the influences produced by many other components of mass and social media. 

It is the case that influential social forces originate from the use of components such as tablets, computers, laptops, television, movies, music, the Internet world, newspapers and other printed publications, radio, and so on.  It is also a recognized fact that phone apps track key strokes and URL visits so that those same app companies can “get to know you better”.

For this third discussion forum, I would like you to select at least a couple of the most influential components of social or mass media operating in your life with an emphasis on how those components of mass media (or your social media) impact you.  Provide sufficient details about a few of the more significant ways in which your phone impacts your life … good or bad!  I have a feeling that what several students decide to put in their posts will produce some common themes.  We’ll see.

You may wish to review the questions I posted in an additional folder which can be found right under this assignment in the current learning session module.  I hope that the questions help you with focus and ideas for your post.  Also, I know that I put quite a few questions in the reading file for you, but that is due to not knowing what areas of your phone use might produce interests or spark an idea or two for your post.  In any case, I hope they help…what can it hurt to just check them out?