Social media has been used positively because it binds groups together. “Besides friends, social networks help bind distinct people and varied cultures with a common interest. People start interacting on the basis of some common factors which could be anything from music to science and faith. It allows connecting to numerous people concurrently” (para. 3). These groups can connect to provide news and information regarding meetings, events etc. to each other.
Another pro is that is teaches people about various countries, cultures and traditions by breaking down those Hollywood stereotypes that were created in the movies especially those misconceptions and or negative “barriers” that are associated with different ethnicities, races and cultures.
Social media can be used negatively because it can cause certain racial or cultural groups to cause disruption and riots among people.
One such riot/event happened in London on August 7, 2011. Global Post (2011) “Nick de Bois, Conservative MP for Enfield North, said the disorder in Enfield was encouraged via social media websites:
“There seems to have been a very well organized campaign over social media to try to engineer trouble here in Enfield. It has almost become a self-fulfilling prophecy,” he told London radio.
Buzzom. (2011). The pros and cons of social networking. Retrieved December 2, 2012 from http://www.buzzom.com/2011/05/the-pros-and-cons-of-social-networking/
Global Post. (2011). Social media blamed for London riots. Retrieved December 2, 2012 from http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/110808/social-media-blamed-london-riots
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