Over the past couple of years, the effects social media impacts on humanity has triggered up much debate. Social media has now become an extension of our daily routines and has affected numerous areas including how people behave, how they communicate with each other as well as how they interact socially. We shall try to analyze the numerous factors by which social media has transformed human nature into a different one, both in a positive as well as in a negative manner.
Social media’s greatest advantage is its ability to connect people all over the world. Unlike before people can now easily stay in touch with their family and friends even when they are located far apart through applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This has given rise to a sense of global community and exchange of ideas and cultures in an unlimited format. Therefore, social media was a contributor to a more interconnected world.
Nevertheless, there are certain drawbacks associated with the social media connectivity, in particular with the pressure of being online. For instance, there is often high anxiety and stress with the pressure of being online, needing to put an ideal image of oneself to the social media, this uncontrollable urge is commonly termed as ‘social media anxiety.’ Such emotions can lower the self-esteem individuals hold while experiencing high feelings of inadequacy.
Social media wakes a wide range of users, broadening their epistemological scope. However, one con of such a massive stimulation is the curation of social media feeds into echo chambers resulting in extreme polarization alongside limited understanding of multiple social groups.
All in all, social media is rife with possibilities for severe changes within the society, especially in terms of communication methodologies. For example, solutions offered via such communication, particularly briefing direct ones or those offered through Twitter, can prove an asset whilst also causing constraints. Such measures, although easy to understand, can potentially hinder explaining complex matters due to lack of depth.
In addition, social media gives a degree of anonymity, which allows individuals to voice opinions, thoughts which specific individuals may not have during in person meetings, sometimes for self protection but often to be abusive and cause damage.
Regardless of the hurdles, social media has proven to be an effective medium for social activism. For instance, the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements have gained traction via social media, mobilizing people to take actions for important causes. Social media has empowered the oppressed and made it possible for grassroots movements, which is the evidence of how social media can be used positively.
Social media is a double-edged sword, with detrimental and positive sides in equal measure. It has made the world a smaller place and provided a strong interface for the general public’s discontent against various societal issues but it has also affected the individuals socially, mentally, and verbally. With every revolution comes obstacles, and in the case of social media communication, these obstacles need to be dealt with care so that social media can serve the intended purpose of being amicable.