Question

In what ways has the Internet affected how you view reality? Explain using a symbolic interactionist perspective.

Answer 1

Symbolic Interactionism perspective on 'how internet has affected how I view reality':

Technology and its manifestation Internet, itself may act as a symbol for many. The kind of computer you own, the kind of car you drive, your ability to afford the latest Apple product—these serve as a social indicator of wealth and status. Being a technophile, I am having a strong view that Internet symbolizes the potential for a brighter future.

My view is that Internet helps in social construction of reality in a number of ways. Internet media create and spread symbols that become the basis for our shared understanding of society. Internet backed media platforms have affected my reality and perspective in a positive way by helping me to become a part of primary group. This is a kind of small informal group of people which we have formed among people who are closest .

Internet has affected my reality and perceptions through advertisements where advertisers find new and creative ways to sell us products we don’t need and probably wouldn’t want without their prompting. These adverstisements are one of the very powerful examples of symbolic interactionism which generally change our perception, understanding and reality in everyday life.

One more powerful example of symbolic interactionism is the prominence of Internet backed social networking sites which are main sources of changing our sense of reality because they provide members a platform where everyone is able to express their views, agreeing & rejecting other opinions and assimilating in a way or another.