Defined by the User

   Social media has popularized itself through multiple ways, one way that really has helped is the simplicity of being able to get one's word out to the public in the tap of a finger. It is left up to the user behind the medium on what sort of messages they would like to send out for all to see. One group in particular that has recently been making a name throughout social media today is ISIS. This group is displaying acts of violence all over the social scene as well as tiny acts of kindness. They have an interesting strategy of how they broadcast their public image. One post will show a violently disturbing picture of someone who has been beheaded, but then the next could be a picture of a member of ISIS feeding kittens. Their active and technologically savvy ways of gaining viewers and followers seems to be working. Not only are they strategic about the things that they post, but they are also active on all of their accounts. Being active is a big part of maintaining popularity in the world of social media, once one falls behind it is only a matter of time before they are forgotten and become old news.
   In today's society it is left up to the individual(s) behind screen. Social media could very well be considered a double edged sword, it can be used both positively and negatively. It all depends solely on who is in charge of it, and how they choose to use it. People can gain not only feedback back but also a positive image through all forms of social media. One in particular form of a positive way that social media has been used recently is the ALS ice bucket challenge, the money they have raised through their message going viral has helped their cause tremendously. That being just one act that has helped many through using social media. I feel that using in that way is the correct way that it should be used. Then on the other end of the spectrum you have those who use it in negative ways such as ISIS along with many other groups. There are many pros as well as cons to everyone having access to social networks. People who blatantly use social media in a negative way often get more attention than the ones who are using it in a positive way. This really aggravates me, if there were only a way to better regulate what is being put out that would be nice, but then again it is still an advantage to learn about all of the messages that are being spread instead of just the good ones. I feel that the good the bad and the ugly should be put out for the public to view, but wish that more people would use social media to better themselves, their group, or their companies.