There is a growing list of the power of platforms for communication and information sharing. The different uses for these networks are ultimately up to the user. We (at the speed of light) share photos, music, videos, articles, or all of the above combined with an opinion. We share information about ourselves and our experiences. Most (and this is where I think there has been an exponential growth for social media) use these various interfaces to keep a virtual tab on things that interest them.

Whether it is what our friends are doing, or what the current hype in media is, we are plugged in. The bottom line is more than ever, we are connected. Literally & figuratively. Whether you like it or not, you are tied into an engine that on a daily basis passes around millions of packets of data. Chances are you would rather wait for your “news” (entertainment, political, social, humour, or random etc) come to you than go out and find it. This alongside the fact that it takes a millisecond is probably why most traditional news outlets are going out of business. Social media generates news in and amongst itself and is setting new boundaries as it goes along.

How is this changing communication? What am I being exposed to and is it necessary? Because ultimately, every “tweet,” every “status update, link, photo/video posting” is effort, and effort is energy. So even if it doesn’t seem to occupy much of your headspace, you are spending x amount of your day expending energy, and you have to ask yourself, what value is this adding to my life, or others? Are people taking responsibility for the messages they are putting out and passing on? Before jumping on an easy bandwagon do people ask themselves: what value does this have?

Be selective on what you decide should be shared, and what should be viral. Before pushing out communication realise that you are giving power to the message, however significant or insignificant as it may be. We as a social media community collective can do serious damage to corporations, organizations, brands, which are ultimately made up of people. We are also fuelling advertising to companies who strategically create something with all the key elements to allow for a “viral recipe”: 1 part shocking element, 1 part intrigue, and 1 part human connection. Mix with video or website (s) and let the linking begin. There appears to be a disconnect between users and ownership of the individuals message (even if it is passes someone else’s along). Quickly many businesses are realising that they are losing control of their brand as it gets disseminated by the unique experiences of the masses.

This power can also be used for good. If you see, do, hear of, are exposed to something inherently good (a contribution to a positive collective bigger than yourself) there is a quick firing, easy access niche available at your finger tips. Utilize this. Build on it. Pass along messages of worth. Add value to the lives of others, and be responsible with what you decide needs to be “passed on/forwarded/digged/linked/bitlied, etc.”

This intricate new age game of telephone will indefinitely change the way we receive and give information in our communication. It is changing as I type this. We can give kudos to business practices, organizations, and people that deserve it; we can spread awareness on the same platform used by conglomerates. You as a user have equal access and power in your relationship to the message you put out. Be aware of this and use social media towards social good. Or at the very least, understand your relationship with your individual distribution of content.