Final answer:
Social media focuses on selective representation, influencing public opinion by presenting certain viewpoints. While sociologists aim for objectivity, complete value neutrality in social research is acknowledged to be difficult.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the course lecture, social media brings into focus selective representation. This concept indicates that social media often highlights particular views and opinion which may not necessarily encompass the objective realities of situations. It is crucial because this selective representation can shape the public opinion and the aggregate views of people that are willing to express openly. Furthermore, as our perspectives are deeply rooted in social constructs, media can become a reference group, helping to construct our reality. Media constructs can influence our perceptions, aspirations, and judgments by selectively presenting information and opinions from certain sources.
In social research, maintaining complete value neutrality is challenging, as sociologists acknowledge that personal biases and value bias can influence research outcomes. Although striving for objectivity is essential, understanding that subjectivity may be present allows for the results to be viewed in the context of one fact-based perspective among many.