Has social media ruined sociology?

[Salty Seagull]

It seems with all the social media these days, people have forgotten how to socialise in reality, or they do not value friendship as sincerely because they are of the impression that they can collect 100s of "friends". At the same time, people online are sceptical to begin talking to people they don't know, yet they do it in pubs and clubs. Has social media killed socialising as we know it? ... To quote Sideshow Bob: "I realise the irony of using this media to decry it!!"

[radish]

you are asking two questions here

has social media ruined sociolgy:
no it has added an important new area of scical life to investigate and through which to discuss sociology

has it ruined socialising:
yes and no: it has changed it , in some ways enabling us to socialise more easily with strangers and with friends. However it is tending to undermine letter writing which is a loss. Cant see anything stopping Australians going to the pub although this might be different ofr other socieites. Facebook has advantages and the silliness ofsome having hundreds on 'facebook friends' doesnt affect its positiie functions

[Andre]

The surging of social media has definitely changed the way in which people interact. Sadly, many people have not being able to properly use these tools. However, this doesn't "ruins" sociology. It does ruin our abilities to properly interact with others, but that is socializing, not sociology.

[Kyle Lawrence]

Not all people has forgotten to socialize offline. In fact, social media has encourage online promoters to socialize offline. Social media is just one their tools to gather potential clients. As you know there are lots of scams that is going on online. A good online business person will make sure that he communicates with his clients offline too to gain more trust for his business. He has to prove that he is a real person too not just somebody with dummy or fake facebook profile.