Social media has replaced the water cooler. As of 2021, seven-in-ten Americans state, when polled, that they use social media to connect with others, engage with news content, share information, and entertain themselves. Social media, however, is relatively new and was relatively unknown just 20 years ago. In this discussion, you are asked to consider the changes brought about by the advent of social media while focusing on your own experiences and observations.

Please include the following in your initial discussion post:

• Describe your chosen use (purpose) of social media; you can choose from:
  • Connecting with others
  • Engaging with the news
  • Sharing personal information
  • Personal entertainment
• OR (if you do not use social media) Describe the experiences that have led you to avoid it – such as conversations with friends or observations. Again, focus on one chosen use or purpose:
  
  • Connecting with others
  • Engaging with the news
  • Sharing personal information
  • Personal entertainment
• In 3 to 4 sentences, describe how you or those you know use social media for that purpose.
• Discuss 2 or 3 of the personal benefits associated with that use OR why the benefits (2 or 3) experienced by others would not apply to you.
• Discuss 2 negatives associated with excessive reliance on social media for that purpose OR detail 2 reasons you avoid it using it.
• Conclude your post with your opinion on how society has and will continue to change due to the increased use of social media.

Please be sure to support your opinions and ideas with specific examples.