SONGSOPTOK : The internet revolution has deeply impacted our modern society
that can be compared to the discovery of electricity. Today we can’t think of
the internet without the social media. When and how did you first discover the
social media?
PHILLIP: In January of this year i decided it was time
to share my writing and to find a means to disseminate my name among fellow
artists. These questions lead me to
social media outlets.
SONGSOPTOK : As far as interpersonal relationships are concerned, the power
of the social media today is undeniable, allowing us to communicate in real
time across the globe. What is your opinion about this? What are its advantages
& disadvantages?
PHILLIP: I think this is an impressive ability and I’m
in awe with both the computer technology and the physics behind modern global
communications. It requires only
Newtonian physics to land on the moon but for global positioning to work in
real time is only made possible through Einstein's revised model of the
space-time universe. Its advantage and
disadvantage are the same since the advent of human sentience: people with good
or bad intentions are able to network in meaningful ways.
SONGSOPTOK : We
have noticed that social media has become a powerful vector for personal
expression and creativity, because we no longer need the approval or
approbation to publish. Our creativity has found a new channel for addressing a
global audience. What is your opinion about this?
PHILLIP: I think it's marvelous and can only increase
the number of unique experiences for an audience that craves art.
SONGSOPTOK : In this context, it is also true that any and everybody today
can claim to be a writer, a poet, or an artist on any number of social media.
We no longer have a standard for appreciating true talent – a role that was
played by editors or different types of experts. What is you point of view? Do
you think that the power of social media have served to create more charlatans
than proper artists?
PHILLIP: I think
the number of charlatans and poseurs remains constant and hasn't changed since
Gutenberg's press and even if this were true, it's for a discerning audience to
demand better art or applaud mediocrity.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say that the social media has contributed to bringing
societies and cultures across the globe closer? If not, what can be done to
make it a more powerful tool?
PHILLIP: I think social media increases the possibility
to bring nations and people closer together but that doesn't change our
nature. I am however, hopeful for this
prospect.
SONGSOPTOK : Would you say that in general the users of social media are
actually aware of its potential, both in the positive and negative sense? In
other words, do you think that the average user is aware of the possible reach
of social media and the consequences it may have? What is your own experience?
PHILLIP: I’m dubious of any average human
awareness. My cynical viewpoint remains
that most people are motivated by self-interest and vanity and this too, is
nothing new.
SONGSOPTOK : Social media is often considered to be a true reflection of
human society. What is your opinion? How would you evaluate the image you see
today in the context of the society you live in? How true or false is the
reflection?
PHILLIP: Other
than the image being a digital one I don't think humans have changed much since
Shakespeare wrote his plays or when Rome since Rome was conquering the known
world. The technology may change but
people do not.
SONGSOPTOK : The advent and the trivialization of social media is today’s
society seem to be have erased the difference between virtual and real. Would
you agree? What is your own experience?
PHILLIP: I would not agree with this at all. quantum physics and the discovery of the
Higgs Boson may have erased the difference between virtual and real but social
media has not greatly altered my own personal perceptions of reality even
though I cannot fully elucidate what it is beyond empirical arguments.
SONGSOPTOK : In your opinion, has social media contributed to breaking down
of traditional rules of social relationships? In what way? How would you
analyze the impact of social media in this context?
PHILLIP:
I do not believe this though the
newest generation may have a more universal platform for their own voice
through social media. values and rules
are always challenged by progressive thinkers and it is only progressive
thinkers that really shake up old world values or older, trusted models of
societal norms. has social media
hastened this process? of that I’m certain.
SONGSOPTOK : Do you believe that social media can play a constructive role
for world peace and unity? Or on the contrary play a totally negative role by
fuelling existing conflicts between nations and communities?
PHILLIP: My magic 8 ball says: uncertain.
SONGSOPTOK : How effective can be the role of social media as a tool of
protest and action against all sorts of social ills and injustices?
PHILLIP: I think
a rather powerful one, especially when voices unite in a universal field like
social media allows.
SONGSOPTOK : Lastly, we would like to know the impact of social media, if
any, in your own life. What kind of journey has it been? What are your own
expectations about the evolution of social media?
PHILLIP: Social media, especially Facebook has given
me a platform to share my poetic attempts with the world and for that, I’m
grateful even if I only gain an audience of one.
PHILLIP MATTHEW ROBERTS: POET
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