Social media has changed lives radically and the change in habits on such a large scale represents a paradigm shift in human interaction.

Like all other major social revolutions, it is difficult to predict where this change will lead. Is this process somewhat irreversible or do we have no choice but to learn how to make the best use of forums like Facebook and Twitter?

Two social media academics – Prof. Bryan Alexander and Dr Alex Grech – will be giving a free public talk on Thursday called ‘Does social media control our lives – facts and myths’ at Villa Bologna, Attard, at 6pm.

Social media is morphing into something disturbing. People are becoming addicted to it, using it for trolling and being obsessed with updating their Facebook profile as a way of self-branding.

“Technology is impacting society because society is impacting technology. The traditional pjazza conversation has gone online and you can’t have a system to regulate that conversation. It’s all about education,” Dr Grech said.

Dr Grech is a strategist and educator who holds a PhD in internet computing from the University of Hull, while Prof. Alexander is a researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher, working in the field of how technology transforms education.

The lecture is organised by the Office of the European Parliament and the Strickland Foundation, in collaboration with the Malta Communications Authority. Partners for the event are Villa Bologna Working Estates & Gardens and Times of Malta. Entrance is free but attendees have to register by sending an e-mail to pportelli66@gmail.com