Week 2 - Two Sides of Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of daily life. The proliferation of social media sites has led to fundamental changes in technology. This means social media sites can now be accessed from the palm of your hand via your smartphone. There are many advantages and disadvantages to easing into the world of social media, which can have both positive and negative effects on everyone's relationships.

Advantages of social media

Looking at the positive aspects of social media, we can see many advantages. The most important thing is an excellent educational device. All the information that people need is just a click away. Students can use social media to educate themselves on a variety of topics. Additionally, living lectures are now possible thanks to social media. You can sit in Taiwan and attend a lecture in the United States. Additionally, as more and more people turn away from newspapers, they rely on social media for news. People can always stay up to date with the latest happenings in the world through it. One becomes more socially aware of world problems. Additionally, it strengthens bonds with loved ones. Thanks to social media, distance is no longer a barrier. For example, people can easily communicate with their family and friends overseas. Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. People can also get great employment opportunities through social media. Another advantage is certainly beneficial for companies looking to promote their brands. Social media has become an advertising hub, providing countless people with great opportunities to connect with their customers.

Disadvantages of Social Media

Despite having such unique advantages, social media is still considered one of the most harmful elements of society. If social media use goes unmonitored, it can have serious consequences. It's harmful because it invades your privacy like never before. Oversharing on social media makes children targets for predators and hackers. It can also lead to cyberbullying, which can have a significant impact on anyone. Therefore, sharing on social media, especially by children, must always be monitored. Next is adding social media, which is common among young people. This addiction affects students’ academic performance as they waste time on social media instead of studying. Social media can also create rifts in communities. Fake news is spread easily, poisoning the hearts and minds of peace-loving citizens. In short, social media definitely has its pros and cons. However, this ultimately depends on the user. Teenagers in particular must balance academic performance, physical activity, and social media. Overuse of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.