Final answer:
People tend to show concern for those whom they know personally rather than through less direct connections like social media. Friends and family provide essential social networks that influence our trust and concern for others, and while digital media are influential, personal relationships have the most profound impact on our sense of social obligation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Social Concerns: Personal vs. Media-Based Relationships
Reflecting on the complex nature of social relationships and their influence on what we care about, we can discern that people often show concern for those they know on a more personal level rather than just through superficial connections. Friends and peers create trust-based communication networks essential for socializing and emotional support. Information from these trusted sources is highly impactful. However, social media can introduce bias and become a manipulation tool if not properly regulated, as seen in the 2016 election where misleading information was widely spread. Furthermore, digital socialities have transformed personal and political interactions, particularly among American teens, with social networking sites facilitating new friendships and texting enhancing existing relationships.
The social network fostered by friends and family allows individuals to challenge their beliefs and receive emotional support, while also being able to compare themselves with others. This idea is important to distinguish because while digital platforms like social media can exert significant influence, the most authentic and valued connections usually stem from personal or direct relationships. Research emphasizes that familial connections are deemed extremely important, with most people viewing their current family relationships as close if not closer than past generations.
When it comes to political socialization, the strongest influences are typically those closest to us, like family and peers, as opposed to distant, less personal connections through secondary channels such as those forged through social media. Thus, when making general statements about people's concerns, those that are known personally often garner more empathy and care compared to acquaintances through social media or other less direct means.