The
Facebook experiment is truly fascinating for those who use it as an observation station for human interaction. It reveals many of the social
motivations of people, especially those who don't realize they're being
observed. For example, most human beings don't listen to the points of
views of others unless they already agree with them, or if they hold the
person up as higher than they are. There are some who are able to
listen and learn from others, but the percentage
is low. Also, many will comment only on either posts they agree with
and like, or posts they oppose, and they will express that in the
comment (their agreement or opposition). Few will comment on a post to actually
participate in a discussion about the topic, they seem to be only
interested in making a "this is right" or "this is wrong" statement.
Also, few people seem to be aware that social media are public forums. A
small percentage of users are able to maintain decorum; it is common to
see comments that are rude, impolite, personal, boorish and insulting
toward the poster, which indicates either a purposeful attempt at
humiliating the poster in front of others, or a lack of awareness of
either the public nature of social media, or of basic manners. Attempts to display "higher status" and "dominance" are clearly visible on comment threads, something that is not so visible in face to face interaction (due to shifting emotional reactions during face to face interactions, physical appearance bias, and body language signalling.)
On a positive note, social media has also given a platform for anyone who has access to publish their point of view without being shut down, blocked, or sabotaged; this is the first time in human history that this has been a possibility. Also, social media has given people a way to participate in positive interaction that they may previously not have been able to, and make connections with new and old friends that they would not have otherwise, and this seems to increase the overall positive atmosphere in their lives and possibly in the world.
And no, in case you were wondering, Facebook is not conducting an experiment in human behavior as far as I am aware. I doubt they would even have the time.
~M.Black
On a positive note, social media has also given a platform for anyone who has access to publish their point of view without being shut down, blocked, or sabotaged; this is the first time in human history that this has been a possibility. Also, social media has given people a way to participate in positive interaction that they may previously not have been able to, and make connections with new and old friends that they would not have otherwise, and this seems to increase the overall positive atmosphere in their lives and possibly in the world.
And no, in case you were wondering, Facebook is not conducting an experiment in human behavior as far as I am aware. I doubt they would even have the time.
~M.Black
