Final answer:
The internet and digital apps alter perceptions of reality from symbolic interactionist, functionalist, and conflict theory perspectives. Symbolic interactionists examine the personal symbols of technology, functionalists look at societal contributions, and conflict theorists focus on technology-created social inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In what ways has the internet and digital apps changed your perception of reality? Examining the impact of the internet and digital apps from various sociological perspectives reveals differing views on how these technologies influence our perception of reality. Symbolic interactionists would focus on how individuals use technology as symbols for various aspects of life, such as professional success or a futuristic lifestyle. Functionalists would see the internet and digital apps as tools contributing to society's stability by facilitating productivity and leisure activities. Finally, conflict theory would argue that these technologies exacerbate social inequalities by offering differential access and giving voice predominantly to the affluent, while potentially also providing tools for the disenfranchised to be heard.
From the functionalist perspective, for instance, we can understand the internet as a communication network that plays a vital role in both personal and global interactions, serving manifest functions that help maintain social order. However, from the conflict perspective, concerns arise about the systematic inequality created by differential access, as well as the potential for media to reflect the interests of a powerful minority. For symbolic interactionists, the distinction between the reality portrayed by media and the actual lived experiences of individuals becomes a critical point of analysis, as online interactions can alter traditional communication modes and the meaning of social symbols.