Society is eager to punish\u00a0this generation\u2019s investment\u00a0in technology, stressing that\u00a0millennials spend too much\u00a0time on their computer or phone\u00a0and do not have enough human\u00a0interaction.<\/p>\n
Awareness of this social\u00a0deficit has deterred many from\u00a0being active on social media\u00a0platforms.<\/p>\n
In reality, interaction online has\u00a0increased awareness of a variety\u00a0of issues and has caused people to\u00a0care more than some think.<\/p>\n
Empathy is a universal\u00a0human quality. It transcends\u00a0language barriers and can be\u00a0communicated without actually\u00a0speaking the same language.<\/p>\n
According to a 2014 study\u00a0from the University of North\u00a0Florida, Facebook actually\u00a0encourages empathy.<\/p>\n
Technology does not prevent\u00a0the expression of empathy.<\/p>\n
Facebook, Instagram and\u00a0Twitter are most accessible\u00a0platforms for online \u201ctrolls\u201d\u00a0or bullies to mock photos of\u00a0individuals simply based on what\u00a0they post.<\/p>\n
Online anonymity makes it so\u00a0much easier to be hateful online\u00a0than in real life.<\/p>\n
Anonymity fuels some\u00a0people\u2019s fire of saying hurtful things on the Internet, but at the\u00a0same time, that sort of freedom\u00a0also allows people to share their\u00a0struggles without being singled\u00a0out and can encourage some\u00a0to have real discussion about\u00a0controversial topics. This allows\u00a0individuals the opportunity to\u00a0gain stronger emotional health\u00a0in their everyday lives, knowing\u00a0there are people who support\u00a0them and others that are going\u00a0through the same situation.<\/p>\n
For example, the hashtag\u00a0campaign #BlackLivesMatter has\u00a0gained international recognition\u00a0through social media and quickly\u00a0spread throughout mainstream\u00a0media. This hashtag has helped\u00a0build a political movement\u00a0since the acquittal of George\u00a0Zimmerman in July 2013 for the\u00a0death of Trayvon Martin.<\/p>\n
Technology is readily\u00a0accessible; it provides\u00a0opportunities and allows users to\u00a0achieve multiple tasks, whether\u00a0for business or leisure, at the\u00a0same time in an efficient amount\u00a0of time.<\/p>\n
For instance, a photo is posted\u00a0of a young child who survived\u00a0cancer. The photo is circulated\u00a0throughout different media\u00a0platforms, it goes viral, praised\u00a0and congratulated. Strangers\u00a0can celebrate this young child\u2019s\u00a0recovery leaving positive\u00a0feedback from each other.<\/p>\n
These examples demonstrate\u00a0that people are supportive\u00a0through social media. Sharing\u00a0a photo allowed supporters\u00a0and even celebrities to express\u00a0empathy for those reaching out.\u00a0Sharing strengthens the\u00a0human connection. Technology is\u00a0the new outlet. Embrace it.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Society is eager to punish\u00a0this generation\u2019s investment\u00a0in technology, stressing that\u00a0millennials spend too much\u00a0time on their computer or phone\u00a0and do not have enough human\u00a0interaction. Awareness of this social\u00a0deficit has deterred many from\u00a0being active on social media\u00a0platforms. In reality, interaction online has\u00a0increased awareness of a variety\u00a0of issues and has caused people to\u00a0care more than some think. Empathy…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"staff_name":[557],"class_list":["post-10415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lifestyle","staff_name-editorial-board"],"yoast_head":"\n