WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA ?

Social media has now become a very important & integral part of our modern society. It is that tool that is becoming widely popular among people because of its numerous user-friendly features. As it offers a vast digital platform where people can share their ideas and also get a little knowledge about current affairs, people can easily showcase their talents, among others.

These are online platforms and applications that allow everyone to create and share content and participate in social networking activities. These platforms encourage the creation and exchange of user-generated content such as text posts, images , videos, and other multimedia stuffs, enabling individuals and groups to connect , communicate and interact with each other in virtual platforms and networks.

Also, social media platforms like facebook, twitter, Instagram, reddit, pinterest  etc. give people more chances to connect with people. Social media also offers a platform where people can express themselves, build communities and reach out to people all across the world, no matter what time is.

But we also see that social media offers us vast opportunities & advantages, it also has a darker side, that is, it has its own disadvantages, because, as we all see and know, something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot always be good.

Like how there are always two sides of a coin, the same goes for social media.

 

 

Positive Side of Social Media:

Looking at the positive aspect of social media, it is also a great tool for education.

All the topics related to their study is now just a click away. Students can now educate themselves on various topics with the help of social media. Moreover, live lectures can also be possible nowadays For example, we can easily attend a live lecture happening in abroad while sitting in India.

Social media platforms foster the creation of communities around shared interests, hobbies, causes, or identities. These communities provide a sense of belonging, support, and camaraderie among members.

Businesses can engage directly with their customers through social media, addressing inquiries, feedback, and concerns promptly.

Also, social media allows the social growth of society and also provides essential tools for many businesses.  We can also say that Social media is an excellent tool for creating awareness about any of the social causes.

Further, nowadays people have distanced themselves from the newspaper and now they depend on SOCIAL MEDIA for news and other types of updates. With the help of social media, a person becomes more socially aware of the issues in the world. Also, in addition, it strengthens bonds with your ‘loved ones’ and distance is not a barrier anymore. For example, we can easily communicate and connect with our friends & families overseas.

We can get great employment opportunities through social media too.

 

 

Negative Side of Social Media:

Now, despite having such unique advantages & benefits, one should keep in mind that it is also considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society.

As we see, it is considered harmful because it invades our privacy & personal space. The happenings on social media make children, and sometimes even adults, targets for hackers.

It also leads to cyberbullying, which can affect a person’s mental as well as physical health.

Also, Social media often presents a curated version of people’s lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and depression among users who compare themselves to others.

Social media algorithms also tend to show users content that aligns with their existing beliefs and preferences, creating echo chambers that reinforce polarized viewpoints and hinder meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Another disadvantage is that excessive use of social media has been linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem, especially among young people.

 

Also, misleading and fake information is one of the major disadvantages of social media. This can have some serious advantages, including the spread of misinformation during crises or the manipulation of public opinion.

It can also lead to decreased productivity and social isolation, as some users sometimes give more importance to virtual interactions than real-life relationships.

Further, the social media apps also encourage endless and continuous scrolling and switching contents by automatically playing the next video or suggesting a new watch. This develops the habit of constantly shifting focus in children instead of concentrating on a single topic.

 

In conclusion , social media comes with both negative conditions as well as some positive ones too. Proper guidance and a correct learning approach will help the child differentiate between the two in the correct manner and will help increase their ability to focus on anything.