Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media
Table of Contents
Social media refers to the platform which is used as a mean for virtual interaction and the sharing of ideas and information among people through networks. The origin of social media can be traced back to 1997, to the creation of Six Degrees by Andrew Weinreich which is considered to be the very first step in the innovative world of social networking sites. Now that first step has taken many more runs and the newest technologies have given it an advanced form. Today, social media has not only taken over the world but has become an utmost important aspect of it. With the rise of newest trends and upgrades, it is now a mandatory part of marketing and making connections, the building cells of a brand. But this power also comes with its share of advantages and disadvantages of social media.
ADVANTAGES
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A PLATFORM OF CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION :
One of the advantages of Social media is that it is a powerful communication medium especially because of its worldwide availability, even in remote regions. All possible interests covering sports, art, television, comedy, education, news, talents, etc are found on this site ,becoming its reason for wide network and exploration. Through such media influences, families and friends connect from corners of the globe , discussing matters of similar likings. It also enables the opportunity to interact with professionals and experts, build networks of connection for a business and even market it by indulging into conversations with the audience.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MEDIUM OF SHARING INFORMATION AND EDUCATION :
Just as it’s fun and socialising side, Social Media also carries an enlightening advantage of it. With a massive community of audience to share thoughts with, this is the most ideal platform to share valuable information or news on matters taking place in the world. For students and educational enthusiasts , this site can be used as a helpful means of teaching as well as learning through videos and blogs. Youtube and wikipedia itself has become one of the most influential learning platforms for that matter.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A SOURCE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE :
When it comes to entertainment, social media is the most scrolled part of it. This positive side also stands as an advantage of social media .From memes to TV shows to almost every source of laughter and fun comes from this platform. Many people take their talent of humour into creating meme posts or funny content while fashion enthusiasts take their eye of criticism in style to influence people on appearance. Instagram itself has billions of people across nations , standing as a temptation of entertainment.
Then comes the craze for online gaming and Virtual reality experiences. With all such enjoying sources, social media tops all entertainment leagues.
DISADVANTAGES
SOCIAL MEDIA AS THE ROOT OF CYBERBULLYING AND ONLINE HARASSMENT :
Just as every matter has a negative side, social media too has its dark roots. Internet, just as its beneficial nature ,can also come with certain disadvantages such as cyber bullying which is caused through the sharing of harmful, negative or false comments about an individual or a group on social platforms; these kinds of harassments often steal the peace of mind and mental stability as evidently social media has become a huge part in everyone’s life , hence comments or matters on the internet, directly or indirectly affect our advantages and disadvantages othoughts and therefore, actions.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TIME CONSUMING ADDICTION :
Spending time on social media can bring awareness but also drift our awareness from many important things.Time consumption is one of the biggest disadvantages of social media. Many researches have shown that the usage of social media among young adults and even adults had led to a time destructive addiction. While using the liberties of the internet, we often forget our rather more urgent tasks , tend to procrastinate or even give up completely to indulge in social media entertainment a little more. Evidently our generation lacks time management skills and improper use of media can enhance that even more.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A SOURCE MISLEADING INFORMATION :
Social media is a direct representation of beauty standards, community and society, politics, and the lives of many. But with that power, it also offers many misguided notions, sets unreal beauty standards, unjust politics, racism, and even false information about people’s life without their consent. The spread of hate and racism in social media platforms has led to many divisions among color and nations. False comments journey through the internet without any clarity or even care for the consequences of the matter, and through most of these, sits advantages and disadvantages of social media an unaffected user behind a computer, becoming a massive disadvantage of social media.
But just as there are two sides to a coin to contain its value, regardless of its content, the internet will always have its own share of advantages and disadvantages of social media. Social media can be a triggering site with its nature of being harmfully addicting, false, or even unjust but at the same time, it is also a source of entertainment, bonding, and valuable insights into matter. Whether it’s a discussion or a debate, social media plays an advanced role in the field of such matches.
Even after knowing of its disadvantages, human beings are prone to its consequences! Hence what can be done is to be careful with its usage. Avoid overusing, harassing, or making wrongful comments. To use social media for its better side and not turn to its bad one. To enlighten oneself with knowledge of the world and better it with better inputs.
Modern society is built on the valley of the internet, hence the base cannot be taken away or the town will fall to its knees. But what we can do is use the knowledge we find on platforms for everybody’s gain and not loss.