On Virtual Socialization

On Virtual Socialization

 Filipinos have been characterized as culturally sociable and as frequently keeping in touch with family and friends (Salazar, 2007). The   Great Soviet Encyclopedia definition of socialization is that it is a process by which an individual acquires specific knowledge and values and accepts standards that enable him to function as a full and equal member of society.” With the present technology generated in our society, virtual socialization is the trends of the times.

Virtual socialization is an interaction with an individual or group of people through the use of media or social media such as the internet, not only is it an important part of socialization within peer groups but now it is used to market and motivate people to become a part of a larger community.  It is undeniably changing the way one communicates and how one finds and shares information.

Most websites offer communication through the use of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and many various blog formats. With new apps on smart phones and photography and video made digital, media can be created, edited and shared quickly and once it is in this new digital cloud it is not yours anymore.  Through these new advances in technology one can share things about themselves to the world to view, and prior to social media one would have to communicate and share physically.  These social media site offer adolescence new ways to access communication and entertainment and the long-term effects are still unknown.  For this reason, it is imperative for parents to be more aware of this new media and what it offers both good and bad for our children.

There are positive and negative effects of virtual socialization. Some of the positive effects are as follows: an avenue for socializing; kids and adolescents that can be creative, interact, and learn (Chau, 2010).  An alternative way to get students interested in learning with a new and previously unconventional medium (Rosen, 2011).  It can also help with “homework and group projects” (Clark-Pearson, O’Keeffe, 2011), and provides an avenue for them to stay connected with peers they have met through school, sports teams, church, etc (Ito, 2008), a place for adolescents to share their interests in art, music, games and blogs with others (Clark-Pearson, O’Keeffe, 2011). It can be   places for teens to turn to for support and advice when going through challenging experiences (Nielsen, 2009). Adolescents who use Facebook have been shown to demonstrate more “virtual empathy” (Rosen, 2011).Likewise , it  also provide medical support.  Adolescents can easily and anonymously seek medical advice (Clark-Pearson, O’Keeffe, 2011).

However, with   the negative effects of virtual socializations such as it affect the mental health of teens.   Their level of contentment can decrease, and their likelihood of getting into trouble or being depressed can increase (Rideout, 2010).  Also, teens who use Facebook tend to be more narcissistic, antisocial, and aggrssive (Rosen, 2011). Many forms of cyberbullying are also a problem and can lead to the victims experiencing depression and anxiety and the cause of many suicides in young people (Kowalski, 2009).

As concerned parent, with these good and bad effects virtual socialization should be used in moderation.  Studies have shown that adolescents and even college students who are on Face book too much have lower grades (Rosen, 2011).