Social Media and Relationships

It is impossible to deny that social media is having a huge effect on the way people create and maintain relationships. I think that this can be positive and negative. The good aspect is that it is easier for people to maintain relationships with people they already know, especially if you aren't close enough to see each other every day or if they live far away. However, social media can cause people to trade a face-to-face relationship for a simple online exchange of words which may not be as fulfilling or meaningful. Facebook "poking" is something that bothers me because it makes people feel like they are connecting without even conversing. I definitely believe social media can be positive if you know how to use it for what it is, and not use it as your only way of forming relationships.
Just like with the topic of stalking and social media, I feel that it will be my responsibilty as a teacher to teach my students proper utilization of facebook in relationships. By encouraging socialization of my students, I will show them that there is value in personal, face-to-face relations.

Here is a video that I found on YouTube that discusses online relationships with Facebook, and gives tips on how to use it in a more positive way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KBW0_EcczM