This week we pause to think about a bit of technology most of us cannot imagine being without - the Internet. Beneath the broad subject of this essential component of our media world is the complex subject of social media. While we often use media technology as a kind of extension of ourselves (McLuhan), we do so without pausing to critically evaluate the role and impact of that technology on our lives. Please answer the following three questions regarding social media:

1. What is social media? Don't just define the term, but explain what it is and what it does.

2. What do you see as a negative or a drawback of this communication and social network? Explain.

3. What are the positive aspects of social media and why?