Living in a tech-driven world doesn’t have to be rocket science.

For college students, digital communication via social media is one of the most powerful aspects of technology that’s found a place in our everyday lives. Keeping up with the latest products or software allows students to engage with new media and create new experiences, in turn changing the ways they interact with the world around them.

What drew me to write about technology is the idea that millennials have become dependent on social media to the point where it’s described as an “obsession.” But living in a fast-paced world means students have to keep a firm grasp on new and innovative features to work to the best of their abilities.

Over winter break, I took a month-long break from social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, because they became an obsessive tendency. The benefits of eliminating those checking habits from my routine were incredibly rewarding for both my academic and personal wellbeing. Taking a break also enabled me to have a fresh perspective on the purpose of certain technologies, specifically social media, and the benefits they provide to all users.

College students use social media to voice our opinions about current events. It acts as a form of social currency, allowing equal participation for users to discuss the issues most important to them. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have sparked social activism with just a simple hashtag, allowing more young adults to be proactive about current events.

And social media isn’t just important for social engagement, but professional work as well. LinkedIn allows students to use their profiles to network with professionals in the career fields they’re interested in, or as an advertising platform for student-run organizations to inform the general body about upcoming events or activities.

Social platforms are essential in today’s world, so it should come as no surprise when every update is closely critiqued by consumers. In a tech-driven world, it’s important consumers use their voices to renovate the industry. The duality of social media allows users to speak out against updates that don’t meet customer standards, allowing companies to better tailor their products.

In future columns, I will address different age groups and their thoughts on how important social media is, as well as discuss my reactions to Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn updates that tend to alter the traditional way users once navigated the media platforms.

Whether it’s social media, email, texting or any other form, technology continues to bridge the gap between people who can’t necessarily communicate, creating a new language in our evolving world.

Kaela Gundy is a junior public relations major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at kmgundy@syr.edu.

Published on January 24, 2018 at 9:49 pm