The positive and negative affects of social media

Social media is used on a wide platform today. Whether it be promoting a business, voicing an opinion or simply posting pictures of a recent vacation, social media is used by countless people across the globe. Despite this, uncertainty still lies amongst many about whether social media is helpful or detrimental to society. However, when used in moderation, social media is a unique tool that allows people to reach out to a large audience in a quick and effective manner.

The social media age is connecting people like never before. Friends and family who live far apart are able to feel as though they are together through the various social media outlets offered.

Since the feed on social media is constantly being refreshed with new content, many believe it is only a waste of time to have an account. However, others believe that the ability to post new information at any given time is one of the strengths of social sites such as Twitter or Facebook.

For example, almost every news platform now uses social media as one of their main ways to communicate with the public. Whenever a breaking news story unfolds, news networks are certain to post any new information they receive to the public. In this way, social media can keep people safe by warning them of breaking changes in weather or crime scenes.

Social media is also unique and beneficial to society because it gives a voice to everyone who has it. Regular people comment on the posts of anyone from their neighbor to celebrities to the leader of their nation, and in each case their opinion is open for anyone and everyone to see.

Along with receiving information, social media also benefits people by allowing them to build an online profile for themselves. Many colleges look at the profiles of students when considering whether or not to accept them into their university.

According to an article from usnews.com, college recruiters often look at social media to see how involved students are in their community or their campus. However, this can act as a double edged sword, as some college recruiters have admitted to rescinding offers due to questionable language or photos.

Unfortunately there are negatives along with the positives. Some argue that it connects society, while others insist it is a waste of time and promotes being ‘fake.’ People can promote themselves in the very best ways possible, using the best filters with editing and sharing the very best from their lives. This can lead to different things like depression or anxiety when other people see the greatness of others’ life and think, “why is my life not as awesome as theirs?”

There have been cases when people create ‘fake’ profiles on social media for stalking, hacking or fraud. Additionally, be wary posting when out of town as people can see when you are not home, allowing them the opportunity to break in to your house or damage property.

Social media gives an avenue for cyberbullying as it allows others to attack from behind a screen.

Addiction to social media is also a problem, especially for teens. According to an article from huffingtonpost.com, social media navigation has been associated with dopamine and oxytocin, the “pleasure chemical” and “cuddle chemical,” respectively.

Social media can be a powerful tool if used in a correct manner, but it can also be inimical to yourself and others around you. As you use any tool, use your social media accounts in a responsible and respectful manner.

For another editorial, read EDITORIAL: Resist apathetic tendencies toward tragedy. For more articles, read: Civil War Revisited returns to Fresno.

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