An article by Michael Laurie examines how Social Media has changed us. There are two ideas raised that I wanted to repeat here:

Instead of spending free time rotting their brains out with TV, kids spend time reading online content and writing status updates. This will prove to contribute to a more literate society. Look no further than user’s comments on popular entertainment sites like YouTube or Perez Hilton and you’ll soon realize society needs the boost.

Leisa Reichelt describes how social media has created Ambient Intimacy. This notion focuses on the increased access to otherwise private content. This results in getting to know people who would otherwise be just acquaintances. It also makes us feel closer to people we care for but in whose lives we’re not able to participate as closely as we’d like.