How has social media changed me?

Posted on by Paul Schwedelson

Like most people my age, social media has infiltrated into everyday life and has become an irreversible part of who I am. My online profile is as powerful to strangers as my in-person persona. As a result of social media, tons more people are aware of who I am. Perhaps I’ll still pop up in Facebook timelines of old friends from high school. Or maybe there are people who follow me on Twitter who have never met me. Either way, I’m able to communicate to the outside world, one that’s much larger than I could without such social media platforms.

As a reporter for The Daily Orange, I’ve taken my online presence very seriously. While there are several situations where I feel inclined to tweet something, I often have to show restraint because as a reporter, I’d prefer not to take sides on certain issues. I’m aware that people typically follow me for updates on Syracuse men’s basketball and thus I avoid spreading my wings and commenting on other topics.

However, on the flip side as a consumer, I’m able to tailor who I follow to my specific interests. For example, I’ve recently followed several reporters covering national politics because of the current turbulent political scene.

All of this leads me to my larger point. As Manhattan men’s basketball head coach Steve Masiello said recently, social media has led to a “fraudulent society.” While I think that’s a harsh interpretation of this era, I agree with his point. Before posting online, everyone can edit exactly how the post should be portrayed. Prior generations never had that opportunity. And that’s how social media has not only changed me, but my generation as a whole.

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