SONGSOPTOK : The internet
revolution has deeply impacted our modern society that can be compared to the
discovery of electricity. Today we can’t think of the internet without the
social media. When and how did you first discover the social media?
LaDean Birkhead: I just gradually learned about the computer
first at my job and through my daughters
influence. I learned that I could research information, talk to friends, find
old friends and meet new people all in the privacy of my home. I am even doing
research on my ancestry to pass on to future generations.
SONGSOPTOK : As far as
interpersonal relationships are concerned, the power of the social media today
is undeniable, allowing us to communicate in real time across the globe. What
is your opinion about this? What are its advantages & disadvantages?
LaDean Birkhead: I think it is wonderful that I can meet nice
people all over the world day or night from my living room. We can learn about other cultures, religions,
the opinions of others and the struggles that good people are facing in all
corners of the globe! The problem is
there are unsavory people so you have to take care so as not to allow someone
to take advantage of you. I also have to be careful and budget my time so I am
making room in my life for other things as social media can consume a great
deal of time
SONGSOPTOK : We have noticed
that social media has become a powerful vector for personal expression and
creativity, because we no longer need the approval or approbation to publish.
Our creativity has found a new channel for addressing a global audience. What
is your opinion about this?
LaDean Birkhead: I believe that each of us has talents that we
are not are not aware of. The social media gives each of us an opportunity to
step out and express our thoughts where before we may not have had the
opportunity or courage to speak what is on our mind or in our heart.
SONGSOPTOK : In this context,
it is also true that any and everybody today can claim to be a writer, a poet,
or an artist on any number of social media. We no longer have a standard for
appreciating true talent – a role that was played by editors or different types
of experts. What is you point of view? Do you think that the power of social
media have served to create more charlatans than proper artists?
LaDean Birkhead: Just because you think you can sing does not
make you a great talent and the listeners will let you know! I believe that it
is the same for all artists and you will soon find out where your talent lies
unless you do not want to accept the lack of applause as your judge. Maybe the
standards are down but I see that in our modern world in many forms. Look what
is passed off as music and art. In grade school we were given an assignment to
write a poem and it was a great struggle for me with a few tears mixed in with
the words. My biggest problem in many
attempts in life was that I thought I had to be perfect. Now at this age I find
that premise holds you back from trying new things. I say go for the gusto and listen for the
applause. If you do not get applause but
your song makes you happy then sing in the shower! I say sing on!
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say
that the social media has contributed to bringing societies and cultures across
the globe closer? If not, what can be done to make it a more powerful tool?
LaDean Birkhead: It all depends on the individual. I like to talk and get acquainted with people
and I have been accused of talking to everyone. If you are a curious person and
enjoy meeting people then the social media is wonderful. I have friends around
the world that most likely I will never meet in person but they are still
important in my life. Those who don’t have the same inclinations will not find
this way of interacting appealing. It has opened a new exciting world of
communication for me.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say
that in general the users of social media are actually aware of its potential,
both in the positive and negative sense? In other words, do you think that the
average user is aware of the possible reach of social media and the
consequences it may have? What is your own experience?
LaDean Birkhead: I am not sure. I am a senior citizen and I
tell people that I am 80 going on 30! I did not grow up with this and I have
much to learn, I am sure. My experience so far has been mostly good and I am
the type who will take risks because I abhor the idea of sitting around with
nothing to look forward to, so social media was made for adventurous people
like me! I wish we could heal some of the problems of the world with this and
maybe we can! I think many of the young people are aware of the reach and then
there are those who are not deep thinkers and have no clue.
SONGSOPTOK : Social media is often considered to be a true reflection of
human society. What is your opinion? How would you evaluate the image you see
today in the context of the society you live in? How true or false is the
reflection?
LaDean Birkhead: I see many good people on social media but I
have also noticed some scary things about human nature. I have observed that some
people will jump on an issue without knowing all the facts and proclaim to do
violence and use the most vile language. I believe in common sense but see a
lack of that in many situations. There are good and evil in every society and
hopefully the good will overcome the bad. We in, our country, are seeing some
troubled times and I always go to back to stressing common sense as the answer
to all problems. Believe me common
sense is not common!!
SONGSOPTOK : The advent and
the trivialization of social media is today’s society seem to be have erased
the difference between virtual and real. Would you agree? What is you own
experience?
LaDean Birkhead: I see many who are living as if there is no tomorrow. I see a lack of respect for women and women
who do not respect themselves. When I was growing up we were taught to be
modest but that standard is long gone for many. I believe the entertainment
industry has made it acceptable to be crude and low class. The rap, so called
music, and materialism is also destroying our society. Many young people do not
have proper role models. The role models are the reality shows which I find
disturbing. How do young people know what is real and substantial? Hopefully
they have parents and other adults in their lives that bring them back to what
is real and valuable.
SONGSOPTOK : In your opinion,
has social media contributed to breaking down of traditional rules of social
relationships? In what way? How would you analyze the impact of social media in
this context?
LaDean Birkhead: I have seen a couple in a restaurant texting
on their phones so they are not really with that person. I believe when you are with a person you
should be with them. I would say
that social skills are becoming a lost art. There
is texting and now I hear there is sexing which includes sending pictures to
others. The human brain does not fully develop until the mid twenties so the
young people can be pulled into behavior on social media that is harmful. I am
sure there is much going on that I am not aware of and maybe it’s better that
way. Because social media is a new way of communication maybe we are going
through a phase and it will eventually adjust.
SONGSOPTOK : Do you believe
that social media can play a constructive role for world peace and unity? Or on
the contrary play a totally negative role by fuelling existing conflicts
between nations and communities?
LaDean Birkhead: I believe it has a way of exposing evil
actions. When I was young World War 11 was going on but we did not see the
graphic pictures of conflict that we see on TV today. Now we actually see the horrors
of war. In the local news we see thugs give themselves away by being caught on
a video or a bad cop shooting someone in the back. It is difficult to defend
yourself when caught on tape. Some people are just openly evil and some are
not. I believe social media is putting
people on notice that they can be discovered in a second when they least expect
it. Conflict between nations is another
story. The power hungry people who only
care about themselves are also being found out and exposed. People must become
informed and then demand by voting that they want honest politicians. We know
more because of what we hear on the news but I am not sure we fuel the
conflicts. Knowledge is always good as
long as it is reliable.
SONGSOPTOK : How effective can
be the role of social media as a tool of protest and action against all sorts
of social ills and injustices?
LaDean Birkhead: It can be very effective because a message can
go around the world in minutes. It has helped free people, helped save animals
and exposed food companies that are using chemicals and treatments that have
not been proven to be safe. So yes it
can change things. Once the information is out, the power can switch into the
hands of the people very quickly. On the other hand I don’t trust power in the
hands of a mob. I always have to go back to the common sense idea, which mobs,
companies and some politicians don’t always have.
SONGSOPTOK : Lastly, we would
like to know the impact of social media, if any, in your own life. What kind of
journey has it been? What are your own expectations about the evolution of
social media?
LaDean Birkhead: I must say I very much enjoy social media. I
sometimes worry that people will think I express my beliefs on facebook in a
too forceful way. I worry about what is
happening to our country and world. so I
say what I feel and let matters fall where they may. I don’t like to have
people angry with me but sometime you must speak out in a respectful way. My journey has been fun and exciting. I have
found old friends, distant cousins, people from other countries and they have
all enriched my life. I can still be active when I am ninety or one hundred if
I still have my wits about me and I think that is a blessing! I have no idea what to expect in the future
but I am ready to learn. It is still important to interact with local in the
flesh people too and I do that too.
LaDean Birkhead:
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(Editor:
Songsoptok)
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