In today’s fast-paced world, everyone in our surroundings can be seen communicating through social media apps. Be it when they are chilling with their friends, making reels on Instagram, or getting any updates about their work through WhatsApp, everything is at our fingertips.
The people who are away from their homes for work can call through video calls and can feel homely right then. To stay connected with extended family we just need to send a friend request on Facebook. LinkedIn on the other hand can be used for job hunting and any other professional settings. The list can go on if it comes to our daily lives and our dependence on social media.
Communication has always played an important role since ancient times till date. Humans have always found a way to communicate with each other whether it is through letters, face-to-face communication, and eventually through a telephone.
Social media has been a boon to society in many ways-
Quick & worldwide communication:
- Nowadays, people can connect to different parts of the world very quickly by just clicking on their screens through different social media apps.
- It has become easier to work with like-minded people or to share anything with friends, family, or even a stranger across the globe.
- Social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc have become an instant way to connect with anyone.
- Moreover, social media apps have become a medium to share information, news, thoughts, and opinions with a large no. of people just in one go, which is very efficient, effortless, and time-saving.
Simple connectivity:
Social media is very easy to use when it comes to connecting with people close or far from us.
- Social media platforms like Facebook, and Instagram allow us to keep track of their lives even when we are physically apart.
- We are very familiar with COVID-19, the global pandemic, and how social media apps helped people back then to connect to know about their health, to get entertained or to get any updates regarding the pandemic and even to foster a sense of community.
- Now, social media algorithms also suggest connections based on mutual friends, work history, and interests which help an individual to connect with people of their interests.
Transformation in sharing news, photos, and updates:
Social media has changed the way we communicate, share news, photos or any updates. Gone are the days when sharing important life events required letters, phone calls, or face-to-face conversations, while photo albums were cherished keepsakes shown to close family and friends. But now a drastic turn has taken place and the use of social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook can be used to get updated about any events, achievements, or experiences of others.
Moreover, social media has profoundly changed the way we consume news. Conventional media channels no longer have sole authority over information or news distribution. Individuals across the globe can now share breaking news, opinions, and updates with their followers, making social media an important source of real-time information. This has allowed the users to stay informed about current events as they transpire, but it also raises many challenges such as the accuracy and credibility of the news shared.
Benefits and drawbacks:
Social Media can have several benefits such as staying connected with family and friends who are physically apart from us, finding groups of like-minded people to work with, making new friends, sharing information and updates, and many more.
- Educational resources for free are also available on social media platforms which can help people to get knowledge.
- Promoting social causes, entertainment and job seeking are also significant benefits of social media.
On the other hand, social media also comes with some drawbacks such as screen time addiction.
- Social media can be addictive which may lead to challenges related to mental health.
- It also fosters issues like Privacy concerns, misinformation, and cyberbullying which can create a harmful online environment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, social media has brought a drastic change in communication, and in sharing information for its instant and simple usage. It can be equally beneficial as it can be harmful. To get its full benefits, individuals should be aware of its drawbacks and how its misuse can reach the extent that it can harm us.
Finding the balance and using it wisely is the key to enjoying all the benefits without downsides.