Social Media: Unparalleled Influence in the Modern World - Essay Sample

Introduction

Social media is an essential tool, especially in the wake of globalization. It provides online marketing platforms and sites for individuals to exchange ideas. It is no doubt that social media has unparalleled influence in the modern high-tech world characterized by the existence of high-speed internet. In western countries such as the United States, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are critical tools for maintaining a balanced society. In this perspective, individuals who can access online networking sites have the freedom to express their ideologies. The community thus should encourage the use of social web since it allows individuals to control their social life and businesses besides building skills through self-expression.

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The two hashtags that I have chosen for the assignment are #UequalsU and #prepnow. I searched both hashtags on Facebook and Twitter to gain more insights into HIV transmissions and the use of antiretroviral drugs. I have chosen the hashtags for two main reasons. First, the two elements have been trending and spreading in grassroots campaigns, webinars, and social media. I first heard about the two hashtags in July 2016 when campaigns to create a zero HIV transmission society picked momentum in the United States. Secondly, I wanted to know other people's perspectives about the undetectable viral load. Comments underlying the two posts shaped my understanding of undetectable viral load. Also, it improved my knowledge about the stigma that individuals living with HIV experience in their everyday lives.

The first post that I came across on Facebook states that the hashtag #UequalsU is a short form for "Undetectable = Untransmittable." It further says that individuals living with HIV who have been taking their antiretroviral drugs for at least half a year are less risky in transmitting the virus. In this regard, such people have undetectable viral load and cannot spread the virus through sexual acts. The post attracted more than 15,000 likes on Facebook, with people expressing different opinions about the subject. After reading its comments, I noted that the topic is controversial to many people. While some social media users commented that it is a matter of scientific fact, others said it is a myth that the society should condemn. The message underlying #UequalsU represents other posts since the hashtag creates a central point where social media users can find similar information about the topic. It is essential in that it enables individuals to gain more insights into undetectable viral load and thus differentiates scientific facts from myths.

The second post on hashtag #prepnow encourages American citizens to support the federal government eradicate HIV by investing in national prep programs. The post states that with a high prevalence of HIV, there are needs for the society to have adequate knowledge about Pre-exposure prophylaxis. It further says that sexually active individuals are at a high risk of getting HIV and thus, the needs to use prep drugs. Many people retweeted the post on Twitter, which implies that it was an interesting post at that time. The tweet enables the readers to enhance their knowledge about Pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs and other HIV related issues. It represents the post since it creates awareness on the needs to invest in HIV prevention programs such as the distribution of Prep to people at risk of contracting the virus.

Conclusion

Conclusively, social media promotes national and global initiatives for preventing the spread of HIV. It provides a platform where people from all over the world can share ideas about HIV related issues. The hashtags #prepnow and #UequalsU supports the initiatives to eradicate HIV by creating awareness on the use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis among other drugs.