In an ideal world, social networking would promote knowledge, enhance awareness, strengthen social bonds, and provide us with an opportunity to connect as a human family. Unfortunately, our interactions on the various social platforms do not always feel so humanistic, which leads us to ask: Has social media helped us to become more social? Or has it further isolated us? In this discussion, you are asked to consider whether or not advancements in social networking have contributed to group mentality. Is communication through social media an effective way to engage in productive and meaningful dialogues and debates?

First, title your post, “Group Behavior.”

For your initial post, review the videos The Plague That Made People Dance Themselves to Death, How to Understand Power, and A Black Man Undercover in the Alt-Right. Then answer the following questions:

• Have social media platforms helped us become more social? Or have they isolated us more? What does social psychology suggest?
• Are echo chambers changing the way we see the world? How can we avoid being a victim of what some refer to as the social media bubble?
• How can social media developers encourage users to engage in a constructive, respectful dialogue with others—both within and outside of their communities? Make sure to provide concrete examples.
• Should social media users be restricted to people older than 18? At what age might a person become able to begin using social media in healthy, adaptive, and socially responsible ways? Explain your response.
• How does the concept of group behavior apply to any of the following programmatic course themes:
  • Self-care
  • Social justice
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Career connections
  • Ethics

Remember to respond to two peers while being respectful of and sensitive to their viewpoints. Consider advancing the discussion in the following ways:

• Post an article, video, or visual related to group behavior to reinforce a peer’s idea or challenge them to see their point from a different perspective.
• Paraphrase something from the original post. Then consider asking a question or sharing your personal experience.