Effects of Social Media

 

Let us begin by defining social media. Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. Nowadays everyone and their grandpas are on some social media platform which themselves are many. It has grown to be a lifeline of humanity. A few decades back men couldn’t have fathom that people will be communicating or sharing ideas or pics over the internet through different social media platforms but here we’re now. For those of you who are still in the dark some examples of social media platforms are Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, twitter, reddit etc.

Let Us take a look at their effects.

Positive Effects Of Social Media

Social networking sites allow people to communicate and remain in contact with friends as well as meet new people. These sites allow people to find others with similar interests that they can create a relationship with and get to know one another. Groups can be joined or formed to meet people with similar interests, and views. Social networking allows for creative expression by using tools such as blogging and messaging to post ideas and stories. Users also share poems, interest in music, TV shows, hobbies, photos, and many other things. Event invitations can be made and sent to friends rather than having to mail invitations and friends can also rsvp for an event on the site.

Not only is it used to talk to friends, but it is also used to discuss educational topics. Social networking is said to increase a person’s quality of life, and can reduce health risks. Many people report that they have not had any negative experiences with social networking, and schools are starting to look at it as an educational too. The use of social networking helps improve technological skills of students, and exposes them to many diverse views about things. It also has helped with communication skills, and allows the learning of cultures from users all over the world. Also students use social networking to discuss homework topics with peers online, and to get help on assignments. Sixty percent of students on social networks have said that they talk about education, and 50 percent specifically talk about school work assignments.

Social Networking does not just benefit individuals, but it also benefits businesses as well. These sites allow businesses to advertise and market services to a large audience, and a profile is free to set up. Numerous businesses have created profiles that provide detailed information about the business to advertise in a low cost way. Businesses will gain more attention on social networks because the business profile is available to for all users of the social network to see. Also businesses like to use social networks to learn what potential employees are like, and make decisions based on the information provided on the person’s profile.

Now social networking is becoming mobile and can be accessed through the use of a cell phone. It is thought to be a great idea and would increase the use of social networking since a lot of people carry cell phones with them at all times. People can use mobile phones to update their status, post comments, upload photos, send messages, and update profile from just about anywhere. This allows people to be able to get things done as well as take some time to log onto social networks. Making social networks accessible through cell phones is also expected to increase the number of users by a significant amount. Being able to access social networks from the cell phone unlocks the full potential of social network, and makes it more convenient for people to use. Since it is more convenient to use the number of users has increased and the mobile social networking has increased significantly.

Negative Effects of Social Media

Social networking does have negative effects as well. These sites reduce the amount of face to face socializing and replace it with online interaction which is believed to result in low quality relationships with other people. Teens over share information to the public that can hurt them in the future when trying to get a job, and deleting the information is not good enough. Cyber bullying occurs as well, which is bullying people online in a public way, but occurs at a small percentage. People that frequently use online social networking are also prone to social isolation which can lead to depression and decreased social skills. A false sense of security leaves social networking site users vulnerable to security attacks such as hacking, leaking sensitive information, and sending viruses. Identity theft can occur when a cybercriminal uses the network to gather personal information posted about people. It also has been said that social networking sites endanger children by allowing pedophiles to seek out children (Are social networking sites good for our society?). Also since they are becoming mobile it might encourage people to use cell phone to access these sites while driving just like text messaging was a popular thing to do while driving.

The advent of social media has led to its user sharing useless content and driving intellectuals out of certain platforms. People seem to have forgotten its original purpose. It has made people lazy and stupid. Earlier stupid people couldn't voice their opinions through the whole wide world but now it has become an entirely different story. Radicals have emerged who have done more harm to society than ever. A lot of people including the creators of these platforms have come to realize the harm these are doing to general public.

Conclusion

Social networking has its advantages and its disadvantages like everything else does. The sites are continuously advancing, and changing to fix the negative problems. One example would be accessing social networking sites using cell phones so that people can access the site on the go rather than sit at home on a computer. Most users have stated that they have had only positive experiences with social networking, and very few people experience cyber bullying. There are still problems that need to be fixed, but it seems that the positive effects outweigh the negative effects. Social networking is a very valuable tool that can be used to meet new people, and allow people to remain in contact with friends. Even though it can waste time, social networking positively affects the world by allowing people to communicate, and remain in contact with friends in an easy and convenient way.