Melody_6.2_DQ19

Social networks have definitely greatly affected my relationships. While I agree with the argument that people meet face-to-face less frequently now because of the advancement of technology with cell phones and social networks, I think there are also a lot of benefits from these technologies. For instance, through social networks I am able to be in touch with many of my friends who are still in Malaysia. Even without contacting them, I can see what is going on in their lives if they post about it on Facebook. The same goes for my friends who are here at Ozarks. Seeing their posts on Facebook enables me to know to an extent what is going on with their lives even if I don't get to see them very often, especially when semesters get busy. Even more so, Facebook gives me a better idea and understanding of people that I don't know very well. Posts on social networks tell a lot about an individual; so, through Facebook, I can gain an idea of where someone may stand on certain issues or what the person values in his or her life. Despite that, I do understand that social networks only tell you so much about someone; you get to know a person so much better and more accurately if you actually spend time with the individual. I prefer to get to know someone better or know what is going on in my friends' lives by personally asking them and spending time with them. Relationships grow much healthier this way, in my opinion.

Just like social networks, cell phones have enabled me to be in touch with a lot of my friends, both here and in Malaysia. With the advancement of technology, I am able to text my friends and family for free when both parties have access to Internet. Being able to text them and save money at the same time is a great advantage, in my opinion, especially since texting takes up less time than making a phone call. When both parties are busy, it's nice to be able to still somewhat be in touch through testing as we both accomplish what we need to. I don't think I've ever wished that I didn't have constant access to my family and friends through my cell phone. I appreciate that I am able to be in touch with them so easily, especially since half of the people that I know are on the other side of the world.