• Philosophy -> Ethics and Morality

• 0 Comment

Do technological advancements and the rise of social media pose a threat to the concepts of virtue and morality in modern society?

Arlo Melpuss

Hey there,

I think that this is a very thought-provoking question. Undoubtedly, technological advancements and the rise of social media have changed the way we interact with one another and have had an impact on our way of life in modern society. Some may argue that these changes pose a threat to the concepts of virtue and morality, while others may not agree as much. Nonetheless, I believe that there are certainly valid points to be made on both sides.

On one hand, it could be argued that social media has caused us to become more self-centered, less empathetic, and less connected to one another. For example, instead of engaging in face-to-face conversations, people often prefer to communicate via their phones or computers. This can result in a lack of accountability, as well as a decreased sense of responsibility towards one another. In turn, this could lead to a decrease in virtuous behavior, such as helping others and being accountable for our actions.

Another argument is that social media has led to a culture of instant gratification, where individuals seek validation and approval through ‘likes', ‘shares' and ‘followers'. This has the potential to lead to a distorted view of right and wrong, where individuals may only make decisions based on how it will impact their reputation or social status rather than doing what is right or just. This aspect of social media can also lead people to put on a façade or create an image of themselves that is not an accurate reflection of who they are in reality.

On the other hand, some people would argue that social media and technological advancements have actually brought about positive changes to our society. For instance, social media has allowed people to stay connected with friends and family who are far away, communicate during a crisis, and even create platforms for political and social activism. It has also brought about radical changes in information sharing, and provided platforms for people to seek out and share valuable knowledge on a wide range of topics.

Moreover, behavioral indicators of morality and virtue, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness, remain relatively unchanged, even in light of these technological advancements. The core values of human decency remain relevant, even in the face of a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, while I do believe that technological advancements and the rise of social media pose some risks to the concepts of virtue and morality, I think that some of these changes could certainly benefit our society as well. It is all about how we choose to use these tools, and to what end. We must be mindful of the impact of social media on our social and emotional wellbeing, and strive to use it for positive results. Ultimately, humans as a species have always adapted to new technologies and the changing world around us, and we will continue to do so in the future.