I decided to interview my roommate about his social media habits and preferences. We both have similar morals and beliefs so I was curious to see how this translated to the world of media.

My roommate Kyle and I are both very down to Earth people, who also enjoy engaging in personal relationships based on real interaction rather than relationships based upon media interaction. Kyle uses social media daily, typically in between classes to pass the time. This is similar to my trends of social media, but different than the social norm. Interestingly, he only uses snapchat; meaning no twitter, Instagram, Facebook, vine, or bleacher report. I asked him why he doesn’t use these forms of social media and the response I got was rather intriguing. He told me that these apps were not merely social media, they embodied comparative media. This meaning that Instagram and Facebook have the hidden influence of making the user compare their lives to their friends and followers. Both me and Kyle agree that comparison is a negative and unhealthy style of living, and that by avoiding these forms of media, it helps to minimize comparison. Kyle also told me that those types of media will not benefit him in any practical way and will only distract him.

He told me that he likes snapchat for a few reasons. One being it is a way for him to communicate with friends in a very informal manner. He said that he can keep in touch with old and new friends experiences much easier through it. This allows him to be constantly relate able to them in real life conversation. Another aspect that he enjoys about snapchat is the humorous side of it; snapstories provide him with comical relief throughout the day.  The only thing that he doesn’t like about snapchat is that sometimes he feels obligated to keep up with streaks, or to post a snapstory at a fun event just for social recognition.

Kyle knows 100% of his friends on snapchat in real life which suggests he is very selective when adding friends. He would be potentially concerned about authoritative figures being on his snapchat friends list, because as he stated, he has “no filter” on snapchat. Kyle also outlined how is overall social media useage has been on a downward trend over the years. He used to be a regular user of iFunny and Facebook years ago, but realized that those just wasted his productive and free times.

Overall, Kyle and I have similar opinions regarding social media; It is very excessive and potentially harmful, but it can be worthwhile if used in limited capacities. He just takes his social media interaction one step past mine, and only uses snapchat. This however is very very different from the trajectory of today’s society. In America, a social media epidemic is practically occurring, with kids in elementary school beginning to discover the world of social media. Kyle and I see more to life than that.