Bella Caracappa: Social Media

    In the American Camino book, there is a section that talks about the effect of social media on the interior journey. The book says that “communication technologies separate the hiker from dialogic encounters with the local constituents” (Redick 237). While I can see where the author is coming from, I also believe that social media provides a valuable gateway to the very dialogic encounters that happen with local constituents. Though talking in person is probably more effective, some people have barriers, such as disabilities or lack of money, that prevent them from going out or hiking to hidden places. Our phones provide a link between those with these barriers, setting the playing field equally with those that don’t. 

    In addition, social media often serves as inspiration for many peoples adventures and experiences. For example, if a person sees a post online about a unique restaurant, store, or environment they would go to visit that place and gain experiences that contribute to the interior journey that they would have been unable to experience otherwise. Social media also serves as a learning ground for being able to separate yourself from the collective, as one that uses this type of media must be willing to ignore negative comments or posts. All in all, social media indirectly serves as a precursor for the development of person’s interior journey today. 


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