How Social Media Has Taken Over The World
Social media has undeniably been a huge boon for businesses and individuals, connecting people from all over the globe in ways never before possible. With just a click of a button we can stay connected to our friends and family across the world (WhatsApp, Facebook and FaceTime) or get the latest news updates (Twitter). People now use social media more than ever before, and it’s become an essential tool for both personal and professional communication. Businesses use social media (Linkedin, Indeed) to hire people across the globe and to conduct interviews or work meetings (Skype and Google Meet). Social media also plays a major role in the entertainment industry. You can watch movies or binge watch your favorite TV show on Netflix and Amazon prime. The e-commerce industry has also seen major profits due to social media. Instagram no longer is a tool only for photography as you can shop online from various vendors on the app. This is all because the world of social media influences the way we live.
Most companies use social media to promote their business and to build an audience to get recognised by creating their brand awareness. Young teenagers and youth use social media (like Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube) as a platform to make money and build their career (as Influencers). Most influencers start by uploading videos of themselves doing their regular activities, like clothing haul or makeup tutorials. But some go further and create video content specifically designed to attract followers (and potential sponsors). Therefore social media can be very important as we tend to do what others say is the best. Influencers on social media create huge profits for online businesses as they showcase their products in the most positive way.
What are the potential dangers of social media?
There are a host of potential dangers associated with social media including cyberbullying, scams, trolling, addiction, privacy breaches, and much more. Social media can have a negative effect on our relationships, both personal and professional. It can lead us down an unhealthy path of narcissism and obsessive online activity. It also creates a sense of isolation or loneliness — we’re no longer interacting face-to-face with other humans, but instead only through screens.
Many relationships tend to downfall because of excessive usage of social media. Being in the same room buried on eachother phones does not amount to giving your partner time. It only grows worse with each being in a virtual world away from reality. Professionally it can affect employees from meeting deadlines or being productive in the office. From an online multiplayer game to watching a live stream, all these habits are unhealthy and disrupt day-to-day office tasks.
Social media can also affect us mentally and make us feel scared or uncomfortable in our own skin.There are many instances where people have been trolled or publicly humiliated in the comments. Since social media is open to free speech, there can be a lot of hate comments, racism, or body shaming text that can lead to depression, stress or suicide at the extreme. Many social media platforms also do not have live support chats or call centers where potential victims can find justice or peace on time.
Not to mention that children are naturally curious, and social media provides a way for them to explore the world around them. The age limit checks do not ask for a physical id upload which can also be risky because it exposes children to inappropriate content. This content could include mean aggressive, violent or sexual comments or images. It’s important for parents to monitor their children’s online activity and protect them from harmful online behaviors. Parents should talk to their kids about the potential risks and consequences associated with social media.
How to stay safe on social media?
It’s important to weigh both pros and cons before making any decisions about how to use social media. Often, businesses and individuals use social media to share personal sensitive information (such as addresses, phone numbers, etc.), which can then be accessed by malicious people. That is why it’s important to keep your account secured by strong passwords or two-factor authentication.
It’s always important to think carefully before posting anything online. Nowadays, most people indulge in giving updates on their current location while traveling, visiting restaurants or tourist spots. This can lead to scary experiences like stalkers invading their privacy by following them in public.
One should also keep in mind not to post inflammatory or misleading content just because it’s popular on social media — this will only create controversy and damage your reputation as an individual or your business’s brand image. And finally, take care when responding to negative comments — avoid attacking or insults, instead try responding calmly and respectfully.
Conclusion
Social media can be both a blessing and a curse at the same time. We need to understand that not everything seen on social media is always real or true. Like the saying goes — “not everything that glitters is gold”. Social media can really be very depressing at times when people start comparing their lives with those seen on social media. But we need to understand that what is shown on social media does not reflect an individual’s entire life but just highlights of unreal happy moments. It’s very important to understand the line between fantasy and reality.
