Written by Kalayevany Couttigane

Smartphones have become indispensable in every aspect of our life. When was the last time you went somewhere other than where you were supposed to call from your mobile phone?

The internet and social media sites have rapidly become integral to our day-to-day life. Social networking sites may have positive effects on people and communities. It’s a fantastic kind of entertainment; it may strengthen bonds between people, helps kids learn and develop, and give companies a chance to expand their customer bases and increase their profits.

The age of social media has undoubtedly changed us as a society, and for the most part, it’s been positive. I will speak on the positive and negative effects media has on society.

Social media has transformed our interpersonal relationships in the following ways:

Communication and connected

The internet has accelerated our need for constant interaction with others. While it is very convenient, sending a text message, direct message, snap, or email only takes seconds. At the click of one button, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp make it much easier for people to stay in touch, find one another and reconnect.

The speed with which a message may be sent and received makes it the most popular and widely used method of contact!

Where do we get our news?

Keeping up with the news is no longer necessary; watch television or read newspapers to discover what’s happening worldwide and in our community. We can now keep tabs on popular shows and get real-time information by using social media. This has the largest influence on the millennial generation, of whom 40% said they depend on internet channels for their news.

Broadcast moments

The ability to stream events as they happen has revolutionized both social media and our daily lives, whether you’re at a terrific concert or watching a severe catastrophe. You can connect with friends and followers within the moment! On a lighter note, you can now share even more of your daily lives and experiences with those you care about. However, on the severe side, live broadcast has amplified awareness and facilitated conversations about controversial topics. This will help build momentum toward achieving positive change.

Explore and Discover

Do you like to go on vacation? Did you ever find yourself curious about life in other locales, whether they be nearby or far away? Over the previous years, you could have had to examine, research, read novels, or watch television shows to learn about new nations and civilizations. However, thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to have access to the inside scoop. The ability to virtually attend events in other parts of the world, thanks to social media’s live stream function, has also helped to break down borders and expand people’s horizons.

Building a Business

Businesses with compelling products or services will want to spread the word, and social media is a great way to do that. Communicate with target customers in a way they can relate to by publishing helpful content and developing a distinctive brand voice. In addition, existing firms may develop and expand their customer base through promoting and marketing on social media.

Some of the negative impacts of social media on society include the following:

Social media can distract from work, school, and other essential obligations.

Many people use social media throughout the workday, which might contribute to lower productivity. Social networking may be a source of distraction from academic work. Social media may divert attention from other vital tasks, such as spending time with family and friends, exercising, and sleeping.

Social media can lead to cyberbullying.

Making derogatory remarks, spreading rumors, or sharing humiliating images or videos can be detrimental. Cyberbullying can harm the victim, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and sadness.

Social media can lead to a distorted sense of self.

Social media users may build false pictures of themselves, as shown on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. People might publish photographs and videos that make them look immaculate, leading to feelings of inadequacy and poor self-esteem.

Some compare their life to the lives of others!

Interviews:

Interview 1:

Name: Kim

Age: 20

Profession: Student

Kim is a student currently studying at a university. She strongly believes in the positive effects of using social media daily in her personal and professional life. She is constantly connected to various social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.

When asked how social media has impacted her daily life, Kim stated: “Social media has allowed me to stay connected with friends, even if they are far away. I can keep up-to-date with the news and learn more about what’s happening in the world. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships and have a more meaningful conversations that weren’t as possible online.”

Kim also mentioned that she often uses social media to research and explore new topics, places, and cultures, which she finds fascinating and inspiring. She is an avid user of Instagram and often uses the platform to post updates and stories to her followers. “The live broadcast feature is great because it allows you to share moments in real-time without having to be present physically. This has been particularly helpful when attending events or witnessing incidents from the comfort of home.”

Concerning the negative impacts of using social media, Kim mentioned that it could be distracting and lead to unhealthy patterns. “I sometimes find myself checking my notifications or scrolling through my newsfeed for too long, and it can be difficult to break away from that. I think it’s important to set limits and boundaries on how much time you spend on social media to ensure its use remains beneficial and not detrimental.”

Interview 2:

Name: Steve

Age: 25

Profession: Small-Business Owner

Steve is a small business owner selling products and services online for the past five years. He has established an online presence on various social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to help promote his business and spread the word.

When asked about social media’s impact on his daily life, Steve mentioned: “I use social media as a powerful tool to reach more potential customers and build meaningful partnerships in the business community. It has been a great way to connect with others and grow my business.”

Steve has taken advantage of various social media platforms’ features. He has been using live broadcasts to feature products and service offerings and generate more interest. He especially likes that this technology enables him to share videos and images in real-time and quickly update his followers.

“I enjoy being able to share updates with my followers and followers, as it builds trust and a connection with them. It also allows customers to share their experiences with the product and even offer feedback, which we can use to improve our offerings.”

When asked about the negative side of social media, Steve mentioned that it is essential to be mindful of how much time is spent online. “It’s easy to get consumed with all of the different platforms and lose track of time. This could lead to less productive days and lose the connection with family and friends in the real world. It’s important to stay grounded and keep it in perspective.”

Social media is constantly changing and updating itself daily, which can impact our daily lives positively and negatively. On the plus side, social media allows us to stay in touch with friends and family; we can use it wisely to inspire or share important news and information, show empathy, and express ourselves. On the negative side, social media can be a distraction; there are real consequences resulting in source of cyberbullying and a source of a false sense of self.

It is critical to be aware of social media’s potential adverse effects and use it healthily and positively. I am thrilled to see how it will be changing in the future!