assignment 3 tech class

Place in Society
Name
Institution

Place in Society
One’s place in society can be defined as the acceptance, worth or respect accorded to an individual in the environment within which they live. The setting could be local, for instance within the home or school, or it could be larger. The evaluation of self-worth has been shaped over the ages, and the most dramatic change comes with the influence of technology, particularly the social media. According to Brown (2011), society, within the context of the social media, accords one a worth measurable to their virtual influence, which primarily depends on the virtual identity that they create of themselves.
Technology and social media, therefore, provide immense and more comfortable opportunities for one to advance their ‘place’ in society. The dramatic change can take place overnight, considering the viral nature of the social media. I tend to think that the virtual community evaluates one’s place in the society by such simple facts as the photos on their profiles, the nature of the posts they make, their talent or wit and their overall online activity. Hence, the facets defining one’s place in society are still same as the traditional ones, except that part of it is transferred to the virtual realm, which has become an integral addition to human interaction. It is of no doubt that to retain and expand a relevant place in society; one must be consistent in their online presence and activity, and that requires them to embrace and adjust to technological advancements.

Despite the prevalence of online activity, I think one should not underrate the importance of strong ties, composed of family, friends and close acquaintances. In the end, a considerable extent of virtual fame cannot go beyond the virtual realm, meaning that the participants share minimal connections. Additionally, online platforms are yet another place to extend interactions with friends and family and to make new ones (Thompson & Lougheed (2012). Considering the above arguments, I hold that both personal and online connections define my place in society. Both forms of association provide a sense of belonging, which is an intrinsic nature of humans; and virtual identity serves to enhance or encourage connection at a personal level.
Discussion Responses
Daniela
I understand your uncertainty about your place in society at the moment. It may be because you are still shaping up your life. You see, sometimes, life takes an entirely different course after college, contrary to one’s career expectations. I also concur with you that there is more satisfaction in making some change. Though each individual would desire to leave behind a legacy, I feel we should not be weighed down comparing ourselves to each other, for the level of change is subject to various factors in the environment. We should, therefore, appreciate the little difference we make, and use each instance as a stepping stone to more significant changes in society.
Lance
Lance, I think your argument is one that affects the latest generations most, especially the millennials. The reliance on technology is too much that it is becoming a threat to human intelligence. I, however, think the extent to which we let technology control our lives is a personal decision and responsibility.
Response to Voice Recording
Natalie Mederos
Natalie, you should be proud of your achievements so far. Your life is finding meaning in doing what you love most, playing soccer, both as a hobby and eventually as a career. Gaming sets out your place in society, and I find it even more fascinating that you always find a way to reunite with your family, which is the first definitive point of one’s place in society.
Brent Upchurch
Your topic is worthwhile, and I think it will attract a broad audience. Public speaking freaks out many, and I feel that it is something that one can only get better at when they do it frequently. I realize that self-confidence is the key to overcoming stage fright, but it may vary depending on the level of self-preparedness or how well informed one is on the topic under discussion.

References
Brown, A. (2011). Relationships, community, and identity in the new virtual society. The Futurist, 45(2), 29.
Thompson, S. H., & Lougheed, E. (2012). Frazzled by Facebook? An exploratory study of gender differences in social network communication among undergraduate men and women. College Student Journal, 46(1).