Social media has become a popular tool of communication around the world in this digital era. The virtual form of communication has become significant in society and the constant use can have various effects on users. The reason for the increasing use of social media is technology advancements. With the availability of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other gadgets, individuals can easily access various platforms at their convenience. The mobile devices have also become affordable and easy to access, and this has increased their usage. Generally, social media has had various effects on communication and interpersonal relationships on society.
Research Question: What are the impacts of social media on society?
Positive Impacts of Social Media
Social media platforms have been increasing over the past years as technology advances. The top leading social networks in the world are Facebook and Twitter as indicated by the number of active users using them. Other platforms include Pinterest, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, WeChat, LinkedIn, and others ( Chukwuere & Chukwuere, 2017; Pulido, Redondo-Sama, Sordé-Martí, & Flecha, 2018). The information that the Internet has brought has transformed society and led to communication and interconnectivity that face-to-face method would not have activated (Al-Sharqi, Hashim & Kutbi, 2015; Chukwuere & Onyebukwa, 2017). For instance, it is easier for individuals to reconnect with old companions, partners, and mates. Social media also allows people to share content, pictures, and other information (Shabnoor & Tajinder, 2016). Thus, social media has been influential in society because it has improved connectivity and communication among individuals.
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Youths are the primary users of social media around the world. Research has indicated that social media has become a platform that individuals use to share and make public their way of life and personal activities (Edge, 2017). Others can get to know the events happening in the lives of their friends and relatives. Rajeev (2015) stated that social media has impacted various sectors of society since it has allowed people to make their views and life public. The publicity that the platforms bring has made it easier for people to discuss different topics openly. As a result, people can share ideas beyond geographical boundaries. In this case, social media has made it possible for users to make their lives and public activities public.
Even though social media has had positive impacts, youths have engaged o excessive use of social media. As a result of this overindulgence, students’ social lifestyle, wellbeing, and behaviors have changed. Interaction among students, lecturers, and learning institutions has improved and knowledge sharing has become better. Some features that have made it easier to incorporate social media into learning are user-oriented features, ease of use, and low cost. Students can communicate with friends, easily access, and share learning contents, discussion forums and others ( Chukwuere & Chukwuere, 2017) . Generally, social media has improved inter-social interaction and relationship and lifestyle of students and educators.
Social media has also become a marketing tool for companies to advertise their products and services. Different sites allow firms to promote their brands, create awareness, and generate sales and revenue; hence sustaining company operations. Social networking sites allow individuals to spread information faster, unlike traditional methods such as the use of word of mouth ( Pulido, Redondo-Sama, Sordé-Martí, & Flecha, 2018) . Social media also creates awareness among individuals, especially about current or trending stories. One example of an event that demonstrated fast sharing of information is the Boston marathon bombing. After the occurrence of the event, the FBI shared information and photos of two suspects. The circulation of the photos on Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit allowed for the formation of groups that allowed people to share information over the case ( Amedie, 2015) . In this case, social media has a positive impact on the distribution of vital information, especially during times of crises.
Social media is an essential tool that aids in building communities. The world consists of individuals from different backgrounds and social media platforms allow them to connect and share related stuff. Businesses can also connect with targeted customers for free or at lower costs and reduced time. Social media also unites individuals who are interested in attaining specific goals ( Akram & Kumar, 2017) . Individuals can meet outside online forums and come together for the benefit of society. Exposure is essential in ensuring that there is positive progress among people. Generally, social media can cause positive change in society because it aids in building communities and sharing ideas.
Negative Impacts of Social Media
On the other hand, social media has negative impacts on users in society. For instance, they can be addictive, time consuming, and distract people from their schedules. The negative impacts lead to lower productivity in society. Social media leads to cyber harassing or cyber bullying, with the majority of victims being youngsters. The freedom that individuals get using social media allows them to post things that can humiliate their peers. Another factor promoting cyber bullying is that users can hide their identity. Recent studies show that about 20 to 35% of adolescents have been involved in bullying, where they can be victims, bullies, or both (Bannink et al., 2014). The impacts of cyber bullying include attempted suicide and depression among those involved ( Agatston, 2018) . In the recent years, authorities have treated the act of online harassment as a crime. Generally, social media has led to the act of cyber bullying that has left physical and mental scars among some victims.
Social media has led to insecurity in society, especially due to the rise of terrorism. Over the past years, episodes of Islamic terrorism have occurred around the world in both Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority countries. Terrorists have used social media for various purposes such as gathering information, recruiting individuals, raising funds, and spreading propaganda ( Galea, 2017) . Various terrorist websites have been formed and which are used in brainwashing individuals. The vulnerability of individuals has made it possible for targeted groups, such as the emotionally weak, to be recruited and used in spreading acts of terrorism across the globe. Some of the common terrorist groups that have maximized social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are the Jihadist movements and al-Qaida ( Amedie, 2015) . Hence, social media has led to rise in insecurity, especially through terrorism in society.
Conclusion
The topic of the impacts of social media of society has become a topic of interest today, especially with technological advancements and changes. Evidence shows that social media has become an integral part of people’s lives, hence the need to understand its positive and negative effects. Several people, especially youths use their laptops, smartphones, and portable devices to check status updates from their friends and relatives. The changes in technology have forced people to accept different social lifestyles. Young individuals use social networks to become more socially capable. Advancements in technology makes it necessary to understand the positive and negative effects that social media has on society now and in the future.
References
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