Media comprise the various means people use to communicate. In this regard, media also refers to different forms of communication devices used to send and receive the intended message from one party to another. Traditionally, people from across the globe utilized songs, as well as drama to communicate their cultures. Overtime, these traditional communication methods were followed by print media, with technological inventions leading to the establishment of not only mass media but also social media. Although media remains a vital component of human life it also has far-reaching negative effects on individual and society.
Positive effects
Mass media benefits individuals and the larger society in a broad range of ways. According to a recent study by Drahosova & Balco (2017), the researchers established that the primary advantage of media involves its role in enhancing communication or exchange of the much-needed information. In other words, people worldwide now rely on different types of mass media, including the Internet and associated social networking sites to reach and communicate with friends, family members, and other society members. Besides communication, media remains a fundamental tool in education and data sharing (Bank & Bank, 2015). For instance, researchers utilize print, as well as social media to share their new findings and research. At the same time, learning institutions have acknowledged and appreciated the importance of Internet; given students can now enroll for online distance learning. In business, social media platforms, such as Facebook continues to serve as marketing points since many companies continue to invest in e-commerce.
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Negative effects
Despite the various benefits associated with mass media, its drawbacks include lack of security, internet addiction, as well as loss of the much-needed social contacts. According to Drahosova & Balco (2017), 61.1% of Europeans firmly believe that online presence not only makes an individual vulnerable to scammers and hackers, but also undermines privacy. On the same note, people are fast becoming addicted to the Internet, meaning they spend much of their time on non-productive activities, such as chatting or tweeting. Equally important, overindulgence in media creates the individualistic culture in which family members and friends no longer value social contacts (Bank & Bank, 2015). In essence, an individual is more likely to spend more time with their smartphones as opposed to socializing with others.
Reference
Bank, C., & Bank, M. (2015). The impact of social media: Advantages or disadvantages. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 4 (2).
Drahosova, M., & Balco, P. (2017). The analysis of advantages and disadvantages of use of social media in European Union. Procedia Computer Science, 109c (2017), 1005-1009.
