A Positive Effect of Social Media

While lying in my bed and watching the news on television a few days ago, I saw something that really caught my attention. A news story was shared about a young boy by the name of Lane. Lane has cancer and isn’t expected to live much longer. He doesn’t get out and about much because he’s often too sick to do so, but one thing that has really kept Lane’s spirits high is the availability of social media to him. Lane has received a bunch of support and encouragement through social networking, specifically facebook. On facebook, there is a group page dedicated to support Lane and encourage him that he will heal. This has really had a positive effect on Lane because although he is sick and knows his time is limited, it has been very comforting to Lane to know he has such a broad support group. I found it interesting that social media was having such a positive effect on his life. In a few readings, and also among class discussion, their seemed to be many who agreed that social networking was hurting activism, by causing loose ties and building fake relationships, but Lane’s story is an example of just the opposite! Social media was the best form of activism for Lane in his condition and allowed him to build relationships with people he may have never known otherwise. It opened his eyes to how wide his support system was and made him feel cared for, and loved. Social media gave this young boy a sense of worth in the world.