When it was first launched in the 1970s for use in scientific research, the Internet was primarily made to facilitate information sharing among academics. However, it has developed through time into a crucial component of contemporary society with a variety of purposes that go beyond its initial intent. This is clear given that 97.8% of UK citizens utilize the internet. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend this technology.
These days, our reliance on cell phones extends to our personal, professional, educational, and social life. When was the last time you walked out from home without your phone? Our daily lives now include a large amount of online activity. But this social media has dual nature, it means it possess both pros and cons. Let’s learn about both of its faces.
Communication through social media
The internet has revolutionized communication on both a professional and social level, which is by far its most notable advantage. Talking to friends, family, or coworkers has never been simpler because to the abundance of messaging applications, such as WhatsApp. Social media sites have made life considerably simpler for teenagers who are international students. I can now communicate with friends and relatives who are halfway around the world thanks to it.
It’s just business
A company’s use of social media may spur an improvement in specific areas, such as production and effectiveness. Social media for company can lead to improvements like:
- Favorable impact on social media marketing
- Lower-cost advertising
- Easier and more equitable hiring process
- Increased exchange of knowledge
Furthermore, only 17% of workers in Danish companies think social media lowers productivity. With the growth of social media platforms, remote employment has also become more common, allowing businesses the chance to retain and recruit top personnel.
In the gig economy, where freelance work has grown more realistic and sustainable, this has also opened up new opportunities. The productivity and efficiency of the company have both increased as a result of the adoption of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
The digital gap, on the other hand, favors those who are more digitally savvy in society. Between 75% and 90% of professions need the use of a computer, and learning digital skills can increase pay by up to 10%. There are so many chances that favor tech experts, which puts those who lack it at a disadvantage.
The actual price of social media
Social media and problems in contemporary society have also been linked. Among these, mental health is most significant. The BBC noted a “steep rise” in girls self-harming. According to studies conducted between 2011 and 2014, the rate of self-harm rose by 68% during the three years covered by the study. The rise of social media sites, such as Twitter, which doubled in monthly active users between 2011 and 2014, also corresponded with this. Other mental health problems have been linked to social media, including “Snapchat dysmorphia,” a body image condition brought on by filters on apps like Snapchat.
Social media is also known to be used to distribute false information. “Pizzagate” is a well-known illustration. On numerous forums, there developed sizable crowds of people who believed that Democratic Party members were operating a human trafficking ring out of a pizzeria. Even armed visitors arrived to the pizzeria in an effort to save those they believed to be victims of human trafficking. This demonstrates that when society gets more divisive, the propagation of false information due to social media may prove to be harmful.
Behind the scenes
Why are social networking platforms all free? In the “The social dilemma” documentary on Netflix, this subject is fully covered. Ex-tech workers from the film, such Tristan Harris, describe the inner workings of multibillion dollar internet firms like Facebook. The business strategy of the social media corporation is to increase user screen time at the expense of their wellbeing. These astronomical screen times generate significant advertising money.
Use of social media
Only approximately 5% of American internet users were using social media in 2005, when it was still in its infancy. This percentage increased to almost 70% in 2019.
Back in 2019, Pew Research Center did a survey of US adults’ famous and usage of social media. As per the survey, child choose SnapChat and Instagram on the other hand adults prefer YouTube and Facebook. TikTok is apparently the fastest-growing social network among younger users, while teens prefer SnapChat and Instagram.
Nowadays’ teenagers almost all use social media. According to Pew Research Center, 97% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 utilize at least one of the seven major online platforms. It’s surprising how much time a human spend on internet and mainly on social media.
Like other things, utilizing social media has its advantages (the good), drawbacks (the bad), and risks (the ugly), which can lurk and have an impact on many people’s lives, but especially those of teenagers.
Why is social media beneficial?
- With the help of social we can talk to people who are miles away from us.
- We can do all the banking things and transactions direct from the internet.
- Online education is another benefit of internet and social media.
- Taking part in civic engagement.
- There are lots of social media marketing tools which can help businesses.
Social media bullying, threats, and brutality are all indications that the perpetrator needs support.
Why are social media platforms bad?
- The evil comes with the good. Despite all of its advantages, social media has a number of potential drawbacks.
- Online versus Offline. The friends that you make on social media might not be good pals and even be bitchy to you.
- A rise in utilization. Using social media for more time can enhance the chance of cyberbullying, depression, social anxiety and exposure to not so ideal content.
- Social media may become addictive.
- Fear of being left out. FOMO has emerged as a widespread motif and frequently encourages constant social media site checking.
Conclusion
Social media’s influence on society can be perceived as negative, but this is nothing that can’t be changed. You can learn about how the digital world functions as a “citizen of the digital age” and share that knowledge with others. Additionally, make sure to double-check your sources because information may be erroneous and you need to exercise critical thinking. To prevent data harvesting, experts advise utilizing Qwant and disabling notifications. This could help the internet turn into the helpful tool that it was meant to be, rather than a damaging one.
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