Social Media Interpretation in America by Age

Abstract

This article uses the research of others to establish social media as a tool for social change. This article
analyzes how politics in the modern US are intertwined with social media; more specifically, how older
people (those in congress) and the younger generation view and use social media. This research sees if
the disconnect with social media from the past generations affects how they use and interpret social
media.

Literature Review

The interactions brought by the internet have been studied as early as the 90’s. However, many of these
studies were conducted in an era where social media was less prominent as it is today. Nonetheless,
these studies have highlighted the importance of internet literacy and the power it has. The internet is a
resource that grants access to information. Just as a newspapers and magazines, the internet may affect
society: “Likewise, research by McLeod et al. (1996, 1999) has demonstrated that newspaper reading,
and local news viewing are related to civic participation at the community level, where individuals can
use the information they acquire to reflect and deliberate about issues” (Shah 535). People who are
aware of their communities’ problems and activities are active in their communities. The internet has
given a virtual platform to communities to discuss their problems. Newspapers educate communities
just like social media. A prime example is the revolutions happening in Arab countries: “Using these
technologies, people interested in democracy could build extensive networks, create social capital,
and organize political action with a speed and on a scale never seen before. Thanks to these
technologies, virtual networks materialized in the streets” (Howard and Hussain 34-35). Countries
like Egypt and Tunisia have been using the power of connectivity brought by the internet to expose
corruption and lead movements against their government. Using social media as a medium to bring
people together with common goals threatens those with power; the revolutions in Egypt are based
on people’s participation and passion.
Evidently, social media is a platform that allows social change. However, just having internet access
and literacy is an obstacle. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 55.1% of the
world has internet access. Denial of social media or internet access can let underrepresented
groups become unheard: “All else being equal, we observe greater respect for gay rights in those
countries featuring a combination of both free media and higher rates of Internet access”(Gonzalez,
McKallagat, Woodring). The respect and push for gay rights is more abundant in countries that have
internet access. Not having internet access denies people from sharing experiences, resources, and
organizations that may lead against oppression and underrepresentation. Unfortunately, that
doesn’t mean everybody in the nation will be for positive social change. In America there are still
communities that are oppressed by those in power; the people in congress and governmental
offices often have different morals and values that oppress these communities. According to the
Congressional Research Service, the average age of those in congress is 57 years. This is important
because according to a study conducted in Chile, 73 percent those who refuse or lack internet
literacy are over 50 years (Pavez, Correa, Contreras).
RESEARCH QUESTION
Denying access of internet results in being oblivious to social problems and social movements. But it
appears that age and lack of interest of the internet results in not being immersed in these social
platforms that bring social change. Older people tend to lack interest in internet literacy yet hold
positions of power. However, the new generation is immersed in the internet and the platforms it holds;
this new generation has grown up with the internet. Will this new generation use internet connectivity
for social change? Do older people currently believe in social change brought by social media?

Methodology

The research I conducted focused on age difference and how that affects their views on social media. As
a result, I was more concerned with just age and did not focus on any other aspect. I picked two
subjects. One is a junior at UC Davis and the other is a professor at UC Davis. To understand each of
these subjects I conducted 15-30-minute interview.

Student

This student is currently 20 years old and is a female. She has grown up in a middle-upper class family
and has been given internet access her entire life. She started using the internet at first just for games.
At the age of 13, she created a Facebook and had no limits on social media; parents nor internet
availability denied her access to social media. She is currently active on social media and uses Snapchat,
Instagram, or Twitter daily.

She shared her views and experiences with social media and how it makes her feel. She mentioned that
social media, specifically Instagram, often affects her confidence: “There were times when getting a lot
of likes on a picture boosted my confidence, only to feel like shit a week later or something.” When
asked the importance of the internet she responded, “The internet has allowed me to be stay connected
with my friends and around the world. I also see the internet as a tool. Mostly for homework.” She
added that the amount of information consumed by humans could possibly affect how we evolve.
When asked about social media she shared various points. She mentioned that social media has allowed
her to connect with her friends and see what they’re doing. She also recognized that social media is a
platform where all people come: good and bad. She shared about how she saw the #Metoo movement
and felt empowered by these women. She sees social media as a tool for change: “I absolutely believe
social media can change the world. Social media is so powerful in our lives and we’re so glued to our
phones because of it. I like to avoid my phone when I can and be in the moment.” She added that social
media and internet is also used by “bad people.” She used the example of 4Chan, a platform that lacks
regulations and carries sensitive content, to demonstrate that social media is not always for the good. I
ended the interview with a question of why being connected to other parts of the world is important.
She said, “Knowing what’s going on with people lives in other countries lets me see how others live. It
lowkey makes me feel bad, but I recognize my privileges because of it.”

Professor
This professor is 47 years old and is a male. He grew up in a small town and was introduced to the
internet around the 1980’s. He mentions that the internet was not used the way it is today. Only a few
places had internet and the main purpose was the use of email. He currently uses the internet for
entertainment, news, research, emails, and social media. He currently has a Facebook, Instagram, and a
LinkedIn account. He has internet access and has had it consistently since he was 24.

When asked about the importance of the internet, the professor said, “The internet has allowed me to
learn so much about my field and I find that the internet is a powerful tool for everything:
entertainment, learning, or social interactions.” He added that the internet is something he enjoys.
When asked about social media he mentioned that he rarely uses it and never really found the purpose
of it. He likes to talk in-person or have the conversation over a cup of coffee rather than through a
phone. However, he recognizes that it is much more convenient. He does enjoy Facebook and Instagram
though: “I use Facebook and Instagram. I like to see what my friends did and share pics with them. It
makes seeing your friends easier.” When asked about social media and social change he said, “I think
social media is now changing our politics. I see how reliant politics is on social media, especially this past
election. Ughh. But I don’t think social media should affect politics like this. Especially with how fake and
untrustworthy these platforms could be.” He added how Russia used it against us. He does not have a
Twitter and does not plan to make one. I ended with whether he thinks he is internet literate and he
responded with feeling like he knows everything he needs know.

Discussion

The biggest factor that distinguishes these subjects is their experience and how immersed they are with
social media. Clearly, age has played a huge part in the way they view and interact with the internet. The
student recognizes that social media is being used for movements and is becoming part of the way we
live. She sees social media as a platform that allows us to share experiences. Most importantly, social
media affects how she feels. Her confidence and emotions are more connected to social media as
opposed to the professor. Social media to her was something more than just a place to share pics. The
professor used social media in a superficial way; he used these platforms the way they were meant to
be used. He was only concerned with connecting with his friends and family. As a result, he is only
exposed to those he is friends with in real life. Real life and social media intertwine with the professor.
By the time Facebook and Instagram came, the professor already had a network of friends. The student
grew up with it and was still in the process of finding friends, going through high school, etc. which is
why social media is an aspect of her life.

The professor uses social media just to stay connected with friends. He has his community and is
perfectly comfortable. He has no reason to learn about other people or make Twitter because of this
comfortability. However, the student is still young and trying to find her community. She sees social
media as this platform of experiences and recognizes that she can see experiences from around the
world.
They both know that social media is important in today’s politics. However, they differ on how they see
social media’s use in politics. The professor didn’t see any reason for social media in politics while the
student did.

Conclusion

Age is such a big aspect on how immersed and understanding we are of social media. Older people tend
to use social media to become connected with their already established communities, while this
generation uses it to find their community. As a result, social media is more important to younger
people as opposed to the older people. Older people are in power right now. Perhaps we need
reevaluate the importance of internet literacy and use that as a component to elect officials. To further
my research and get definite answer, we need more subjects.
 Works Cited

Carlo-Gonzalez, Celin & McKallagat, Christopher & Whitten-Woodring, Jenifer. (2017). The
Rainbow Effect: Media Freedom, Internet Access, and Gay Rights: Media Freedom, Internet
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Correa, T. and Pavez, I. (2016), Digital Inclusion in Rural Areas: A Qualitative Exploration of
Challenges Faced by People From Isolated Communities. J Comput‐Mediat Comm, 21: 247-263.
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Howard, P. N. & Hussain, M. M. (2011). The Role of Digital Media. Journal of

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