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Is social media creating antisocial behaviour?

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ANN ANONYMOUS/Teen Columnist

Our modern world is extremely technologically advanced, with every outlet to connect, download or upload being used daily. Media sources such as Facebook, Twitter, and Blackberry Messenger can be of great use to us. We are now able to forward our globalization, and become a more interconnected world using these tools.

How advanced are we becoming considering we are using these tools for antisocial behavior and destruction?

For instance, take the recent rioting in London, England. Youths in Britain are taking advantage of these media outlets by exchanging underhanded emails co-ordinating, and synchronizing efforts being made to riot, loot, and storm stores. In this case, this enhanced, superior equipment has been counteractive. Even though we will always be able to advance our world technologically, I don’t believe we will ever be able to conquer the thought process that defeats the progressive steps forward we take.

The opposite case in point occurred in Vancouver, B.C. when the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup. Riots broke out and people in a rampage flooded the streets; looting, destroying vehicles, and starting fires in stores. In the days following the disturbances and unrest, police received numerous tips and leads through some of the very same media sites the London rioters are using to co-ordinate their attacks. Police were able to apprehend many who participated in the outbreaks because of these networks available to us.

Are we actually taking the correct steps to develop civilization further? Or are we being counteractive by putting this technology in human hands? Are we taking advantage of our modern world?

In my opinion, there is no one right response to these questions. Ultimately, it lies within the hearts and minds of the individuals using this technology. Whether they use it for helpful or immoral means in our world, depends completely on them. As we continue to create, are we prepared to accept the consequences of our constant need for “the next generation of technology”?