Social media is any website that allows social interaction. Social media is growing rapidly throughout the world. More adults and teenagers are joining sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter to interact with friends, family, and strangers.
The introduction of social media has changed the world in many ways. It affects each individual in different ways. Today it can be used as a very helpful tool in changing a person’s life, but at the same time cause such conflicts which can negatively impact a person.While there are some negatives associated with social media, the positives in communication all around, has made the world stronger and a better place to live in.
Social media has many positive effects on the society. The introduction of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have increased communication among individuals. These websites serve as an important medium, keeping individuals socially active. For example Facebook, allows people to communicate with each other, comment on people’s statuses, join different organizations, play games, and even instant message.
This site allows for millions of people to keep in touch with each other, and ultimately acts as a source of entertainment. “Social media also allows contact with people from around the world. ” (“ProCon”) Using these websites can also increase a person’s computer abilities. Using social media can also help people who have difficulty socializing in person.
Sites like Facebook allow “People who have difficulty communicating in person feel more comfortable interacting via the internet” (“ProCon”). Since there is a screen rather than an actual person, people feel more protected and relaxed.This allows people to develop more confidence, and communicate their thoughts over the internet rather than confronting the situation. Social media can also be a huge help to a lot of teenagers.
It helps them search careers and colleges that they could be interested in. In addition, sites like MySpace and Facebook can also allow teenagers to bond and share feelings of sympathy towards one another. Recent article even states that, “Facebook can also have a positive impact on young adults’ lives by helping them be more empathetic” (Turgeon).Despite the positives, there are many negatives associated with social media.
Using social media can make a person more vulnerable to predators and cyber bullying. In this age, “Cyber bulling is quite common, can occur to any young person online, and can cause profound psychosocial outcomes including depression, anxiety, severe isolation, and tragically suicide” (“American Academy of Pediatrics”). Cyber bullying impacts society in a negative way because it is harming young teenagers’ minds. Bullies, torment, threat, harass, and even embarrass their victims by using different forms of social media.
Using social media can also decrease privacy for an individual. People often give out their personal information not knowing who can see it. To average internet users, “A false sense of security may leave social networking site users vulnerable to security attacks such as hacking, leaking sensitive information, and sending viruses” (“ProCon”). Furthermore, Social media can also lead to brain disorders and can cause people to have a hard time interacting with people face to face.
“Social networking entices people to spend more time online and less time talking to a person face to face. (“ProCon”) The abundance of technology and social media today has led to many positives and negatives in our society.The impact of social media has been great on our society today, and in the coming years it will continue to grow and be successful. It is a significant and helpful tool for everyone.
It has changed our ways of communication in a positive way, in time and efficiency. Although there are many unfortunate negatives, with social media such as cyber bullying and development of disorders, the positives of social media outweigh the negatives, and allow our society to grow and flourish.
