Seeing the World Through Social Media

After reading the chapters on media and globalization in Intercultural Communication for Everyday Life, I started thinking more about how much of what I know about other cultures comes from the internet. In the text they talk about how media doesn’t just reflect culture it shapes how we understand people around the world. That really stuck with me because it’s something I’ve experienced without even realizing it.

For example, I spend a lot of time on Tik Tok and Instagram, and I follow a lot of creators from other countries. I’ve learned things I never would’ve known otherwise like how different people celebrate holidays, dress, or even just how they hang out with friends. Some things seem strange at first, but the more I watch and listen, the more I understand that it's just normal in their culture.

One small thing I noticed was how direct some creators from certain countries are when they give opinions, compared to Canadian creators who tend to be more polite or subtle. I used to think those other creators were being rude but now I see it’s just a different communication style.

Reading about globalization helped me realize that this kind of exposure is shaping how I see the world. It’s made me more curious, less judgmental, and more aware of how quickly we form opinions without context.