Social Media's Impact On Society - Research Paper

Introduction

The Impact Of Social Media The last two decades have witnessed the tremendous pace of change in information and communication technology. The accelerating development of mobile technology has largely influenced and shaped the emergence of social media. Today social networks have grown to become a useful tool that possesses a real and significant impact on society. The use of the internet has impacted different spheres of society. Social media shapes discourses in politics, education, world culture, education, entertainment, among other facets of society (Gaitho). The use of the internet has had a significant effect on the way humans interact with each other. The paper aims to discuss the real influence of social media in the different aspects of our lives. The paper will explore the use of the internet and provide an inquiry into the effects of using social media.

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Reasons for Using Social Media

Several reasons motivate human beings to share their personal information on the internet. Social media users tend to feel a desire to share content for entertainment and education purposes. Social media gives people a platform where they can voice their concerns on issues and causes that affect them either directly or indirectly (Gaitho). Other people use social media platforms to interact with friends and nurture relationships. The social networks created to play a critical role in influencing our politics, commerce, careers, social culture, among others. There has been a tremendous increase in the influence of social media platforms in politics and electoral campaigns as politicians leverage on social networks to increase their popularity. Social sharing has made it possible to address ethical concerns and societal ills that affect society. The development of social media has helped organizations to build their brands and revenue streams.

The use of social media can have both adverse and positive influence on an individual level and society at large. The consequences of the use of social media have been positive to society but everything has two sides, the bad and the good. The negative consequences are the highlights of the evil influence that social media can have on our lives and the society in general. Issues of narcissism, loneliness, coarsening of interpersonal relationships and human interaction, cybersecurity threats, among others. The positive effects of using social media networking sites include; enhancing connectivity, business marketing, content sharing, among others. A critical and in-depth discussion on the influence of social media is essential to enable us to make an informed decision on how well we can use the platforms for good purposes.

The Use Of Social Media For Good

The endless possibilities brought about by social media can have positive benefits to an individual and society. For instance, the ability to instantly connect with friends and loved ones brings about a positive impact on people's lives. Social media has proved a useful tool for proving real-time warning and alerts in times of disasters. During the tornado season in 2011 in the United States, news of bad weather approaching the ocean horizon was shared widely on Facebook (Plotner). This enhanced people's awareness of the impending danger and thus allowed them to prepare for safety swiftly. In cases of disaster scenarios, the use of social media can offer quick communication, thus enhancing the survival of people. Social media platforms are also useful in improving disaster response by way of mobilizing volunteers online.

Social media has helped to increase connectivity, thus enhancing how people communicate with each other. Social networking sites for example Facebook provide a great tool that enable people to connect regardless of their destinations. These platforms offer a convenient and easy way of communicating with people. Before the advent of social media, connectivity, and communication between people was limited. However, the rapid developments in technology have provided people with countless ways to communicate and connect. The primary purpose of using social media is to cultivate and nurture relationships because it gives a better option to stay updated with people from far afield.

It is possible to share content via social media platforms. International news sites such as 'The Huffington Post and the New York Times' use social media to update their followers on valuable articles and exciting content (Vahl). The use of the internet has made it easier for people to search for content and information that serves their interest. Creative individuals enjoy the opportunity provided these platforms to showcase their creativity to a much larger audience. People with a thirst for educational materials and other valuable content regarding numerous topics can find such information on the internet. People can get to know trending topics through Facebook and Twitter posts, thus enabling them to stay updated.

Adverse Effects of Using of Social Media

The negative use of social media has produced unintended consequences that have the potential to harm an individual and society at large. The increased reliance on social media has had a lousy influence on various aspects of our lives. The adverse effects include a breakdown in interpersonal communication, narcissism, anxiety and loneliness. Many people who spend too much time of social networking sites have suffered from poor mental health with adverse symptoms of depression and anxiety. The internet has created numerous opportunities that allow online bullying, anonymous harassment, and cybercrimes. Indeed, the unregulated use of the internet and in particular social networking sites has led to the deteriorating of human conduct and worsened human interaction.

The toxic ways in which individuals use social media platforms have increased cases of cyberbullying. The anonymity that social media can create affords people the confidence to post insults and make others laughing stocks. Online trolling knows no boundary, and as such, even vulnerable children and adults can be over overwhelmed when being bullied by anonymous people. There has been increasing concern over the effect that cyberbullying has on the mental wellbeing of its victims. People who have experienced online trolling have had increased levels of distress and worries, and in tragic cases, some have committed suicide and acts that cause self-harm (Duverge). Loose regulations permit these kinds of behaviour, and more has to be done to protect the vulnerable people in our society from cyberbullying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of social media has had its fair share of adverse and good effects. The paper has made an inquiry into both sides of the discussion on the consequences of using social media. The use of social media in a good manner and for the right purposes outweigh the isolated cases that arise when the platforms are used in toxic ways. The positive effects of social media continue to transform several aspects of our lives. However, the use of social media needs to be exercised with a constraint to eradicate the toxic effects that harm society.

Works Cited

Duverge, Gabe. Digital Threats: The Impact of Cyberbullying. 15 July 2015. https://www.tuw.edu/health/impact-of-cyberbullying/. 07 July 2019.

Gaitho, Maryanne. What Is the Real Impact of Social Media? 12 September 2018. https://www.simplilearn.com/real-impact-social-media-article. 06 July 2019.

Plotner, Kayli. Lessons Learned from the 2011 Joplin Tornado Show the Importance of Social Media in Disaster Preparedness and Response. 21 August 2014. http://nacchopreparedness.org/lessons-learned-from-2011-joplin-tornado-show-the-importance-of-social-media-in-disaster-preparedness-and-response/. 07 July 2019.

Vahl, Andrea. 8 Ways to Discover Valuable Social Media Content. 05 February 2013. https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/8-ways-to-discover-valuable-social-media-content/. 07 July 2019.