Quotation:
A common motif in stories of digital media damaging relationships is the “cyberaffair.” One of the most recurrent metaphors advice columns used to describe the internet during its early American diffusion was “homewrecker.” Published letters and replies repeatedly described men and women who, upon getting access to the internet, found a new love,” (pg 44).
Comment:
This statement stood out to me because while I have thought of this issue, I did not know it was a major occurrence in the beginning of the internet. I was introduced to the internet when I was young, which is probably why I don’t find it that ground-breaking. If I were born significantly before the introduction of the internet, I’m sure it would have had a different effect on me. However, it is constantly changing, which means it could impact me in different ways. The idea of the “cyberaffair” is still very relevant today. Especially with the numerous dating apps today, there are secret relationships, cheating relationships, illegal relationships, etc. The image on the same page of this quote also reminded me of a similar subject we have touched upon in class; false realities. Commercials, social media, and people in general, will make it seem like there is a right and wrong way to be in a relationship. This puts pressure on individuals to change their lives when, in reality, they could/should be happy regardless of what other people do. Social media has made it a lot easier for people to have affairs, which is the main message of this quote. However, there are also many ways to catch people cheating (which is helpful), meaning there is a lot less privacy in general. However, that means individuals have a lot less privacy doing anything on the internet. It is also a commonality that people are more likely to say something on the internet than they would if they were talking to someone in person. This creates a lack of responsibility and accountability.
Question:
Does the lack of privacy cause anyone to stop using social media or is it not an issue?
