Social Media: A Revolutionary Device for Learning

In today’s globalized age, 96 of every 100 men, women and children have a cellphone subscription. This means that, in some way, shape or form, over 90% of our population has a type of access to the internet and social media platforms. In more modernized cultures, social media is one of the driving forces behind every societal, cultural and occupational interaction. Keeping up with trends is crucial for societal acceptance. Bonding with and understanding different cultures by exploring them via internet platforms is essential. Reading and researching current issues in the media and movements in world markets is fundamental to maintaining almost any sort of profession.

Social media is no longer a distraction. Rather than skimming through thousands of pages in an encyclopedia, one can simply open their browser on a device and find practically any answer to any question with the click of a few buttons. As a public good, the internet can provide information to those on any rung of the socioeconomic ladder, which helps bridge the gap between high and low income people. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat are designed with a global connectedness in mind, encouraging people to reach out to others all over the world. Nowadays, many people can become famous and find careers simply by one of their ideas going ‘viral’ through YouTube. 

In a class like IEOR 190g, we are forced to release our thoughts out into the world for others to see, ultimately creating a learning platform for any student or researcher to indulge and learn more from. It is for all these reasons that I believe social media is not only a learning tool, but it is ESSENTIAL towards the growth of both our economy and society today.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26VgY6EyFBA&feature=youtu.be