This generation has been dubbed as the Millennials or the so called “Generation Y”, most of us are using the internet as our source of information and utilizing it for other things. We, somehow, are dependent on the new technology, especially with the emergence of the social media. It makes our lives easier and simpler because all you have to do is to create an account on a particular social media site, and you’re instantly connected. There are advantages and disadvantages regarding the said medium, and that’s when social media literacy comes into the picture.
What is Social Media Literacy? It is defined as “the access to social media applications, the knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-efficacy of individuals to (appropriately) use social media applications and to analyze, evaluate, share and create social media content.” (Vanwynsberghe, Boudry & Verdegem, 2011). Therefore, it is composed of three dimensions, first is the social media access, then, the social media competences, and lastly, the social media use. Based on my research, you are actually considered social media literate if you have an access on the said medium. But there are levels on determining how literate you are when it comes to social media. As said in the definition, what you do on social media and how you utilize it is also a factor. You may have access on social media but if you are not using it the right way, your level of being social media literate is not complete. It suggests that we should all be critical on what we post, share, comment, and even like on the said medium.
It was once said that social media is our present and future. It is the technology that is shaping not only our culture, but our tradition, and personal perspectives as well. If learning more about social media and social media literacy is important, why not delve on it by teaching its ethics and literacy to the younger generation? Personally, I would want to have social media literacy included in our education system. As I have said earlier, there are advantages and disadvantages in social media. If not used the right way, for example, cyber bullying and spreading of wrong information, it could damage not only the users but our entire community as well. If it would be taught in school, even for just a brief lesson or discussion, it could actually make a great impact for the better utilization of social media.
Social media is something that we would pass on to the next generation; therefore, we must influence them the right way by teaching the importance of social media literacy. Social media is considered a very powerful tool, and will either be the destruction of us, or will be used for the betterment of each and every one. Having enough knowledge and awareness about such powerful medium is vital for every internet citizens. Deep understanding and being responsible will be our anchor for this global village we are currently living in, so we might as well treat it right.
What is Social Media Literacy? It is defined as “the access to social media applications, the knowledge, skills, attitudes and self-efficacy of individuals to (appropriately) use social media applications and to analyze, evaluate, share and create social media content.” (Vanwynsberghe, Boudry & Verdegem, 2011). Therefore, it is composed of three dimensions, first is the social media access, then, the social media competences, and lastly, the social media use. Based on my research, you are actually considered social media literate if you have an access on the said medium. But there are levels on determining how literate you are when it comes to social media. As said in the definition, what you do on social media and how you utilize it is also a factor. You may have access on social media but if you are not using it the right way, your level of being social media literate is not complete. It suggests that we should all be critical on what we post, share, comment, and even like on the said medium.
It was once said that social media is our present and future. It is the technology that is shaping not only our culture, but our tradition, and personal perspectives as well. If learning more about social media and social media literacy is important, why not delve on it by teaching its ethics and literacy to the younger generation? Personally, I would want to have social media literacy included in our education system. As I have said earlier, there are advantages and disadvantages in social media. If not used the right way, for example, cyber bullying and spreading of wrong information, it could damage not only the users but our entire community as well. If it would be taught in school, even for just a brief lesson or discussion, it could actually make a great impact for the better utilization of social media.
Social media is something that we would pass on to the next generation; therefore, we must influence them the right way by teaching the importance of social media literacy. Social media is considered a very powerful tool, and will either be the destruction of us, or will be used for the betterment of each and every one. Having enough knowledge and awareness about such powerful medium is vital for every internet citizens. Deep understanding and being responsible will be our anchor for this global village we are currently living in, so we might as well treat it right.