Should we dramatise the use of social media?: Notes to form a sound attitude

We have compiled the notes contained here in order to arrive at a more informed assessment of the significance of Social Media for the shaping of social relationships and thus to complement the already existing considerations. We experience the public opinions on the effects of Social Media on the one hand quite unreflected, on the other hand dramatising. Hence, the central question of our contribution: Should we dramatise the use of Social Media? To answer this question, we proceed as follows: First, we describe important facets of Social Media, then we take a look at the users of Social Media and then go into the effects of Social Media use. Finally, we answer the question of the article: should we dramatise Social Media use? Our notes include media- and social psychological theories.We have compiled the notes contained here in order to arrive at a more informed assessment of the significance of Social Media for the shaping of social relationships and thus to complement the already existing considerations. We experience the public opinions on the effects of Social Media on the one hand quite unreflected, on the other hand dramatising. Hence, the central question of our contribution: Should we dramatise the use of Social Media? To answer this question, we proceed as follows: First, we describe important facets of Social Media, then we take a look at the users of Social Media and then go into the effects of Social Media use. Finally, we answer the question of the article: should we dramatise Social Media use? Our notes include media- and social psychological theories.