Question

Do you believe Facebook, MySpace, and other such social-networking sites are, will, or can promote more commonly shared values of people across cultures—knowing that some countries have their own such Web sites in their language? Explain.

Answer 1

One thing that we need to understand here is that technology is universal. The social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and MySpace are built on a technology and these companies have the ability to customize it according to the needs of the local market. This ability of the platforms has given the ability to promote more commonly shared values of people across cultures. If we observe, the people in India do not see the social media content that is seen by the people in France and by the people in the United States unless it an international event or news. We only get to see the content that we like and it applies to value we believe in as well. The technology is developed, it has the ability to identify what the user wants and provide that content. The main reason behind these platforms is to create a channel where people can meet and interact with their friends, colleagues, and family. So the shared values remain intact when they are getting only the content that is related to their closed circle. At the same time, they also get the opportunity to see what the world is also doing and it keeps them informed and educated. Some countries like China where they have their own social media channels. They have done that not because they speak a different language or worried about the shared values. The government of the country is worried about the privacy of the people. There are various other external factors that encourage the countries to build something on their own and keep their people engaged. But channels like Facebook and Instagram will still continue to promote the shared values of the people in spite of the barriers present in the market.