Culture and Socialization Online

Culture and Socialization Online

Teenager in his bedroom on a social networking site. [Photograph]. Retrieved from Encyclopdia Britannica ImageQuest.

This discussion addresses module outcomes 1 and 2. In this discussion you will discuss how technology and the internet have changed our culture and socialization. Culture is the glue that binds society together. Before you begin the activity, make sure that you have read Chapter 3 through 5 and viewed the required readings and videos. Current debates about the increased use of technology include suggestions it leads to social alienation and anomie. Many critics and scholars have questioned if this could lead to more robust connections with others and replicate traditional face to face socialization or create a divide and weaken social bonds.

Engage

Before beginning this activity, be sure to read the Module Notes and the assigned readings and viewings. Use as much detail from the readings and other learning materials in the module as possible to answer the following questions.

1. Reflecting on the lecture notes and videos on the development and presentation of self, how does new technology, like smartphones and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram affect the presentation of self?
2. What do you think the consequences of technology-mediated interaction on how we are socialized in the future could this contribute to the sense of alienation or anomie, or might this benefit our society?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with

. For assistance with APA style formatting,

or the

. Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59 PM ET. Your responses are due by Sunday at 11:59 pm ET.