Social Media: A blessing or curse for society?

A social networking site is an online platform that people use to build social networks or relationships with others who share similar personal or career interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. Social media has played a significant role in reshaping the communication industry and redefining the ways in which we communicate and express ourselves. It constantly engages people and brings them together through trending activities. Users have embraced social media so persistently that it has become an integral part of their lives. It is used not only by individuals but also by businesses, organisations, and governments, who utilise social media platforms for constant engagement with the masses. However, there is evidence from various studies showing that increased usage of smartphones and social media can lead to mental distress, self-injurious behaviour, and suicidal tendencies among youth.

Types of Social Media

The list of social media platforms is continuously growing and evolving. On these platforms, users can share thoughts, curate content, upload photos and videos, form groups based on interests, and participate in lively discussions. These platforms are built around the user and everything that’s important to them and their social circles.

The following are the types of social media networks:

• Social networking sites: Most of us are familiar with social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These platforms help us connect with friends, family, and brands. They encourage knowledge sharing and focus on personal, human-to-human interaction.
• Media sharing networks: Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat are used to share photographs, videos, and other types of media on the web.
• Discussion forums: Social media channels like Reddit, Quora, and Digg are used for finding, sharing, and discussing various types of information, opinions, and news.
• Bookmarking and content curation networks: Platforms like Pinterest and Flipboard help users discover, share, discuss, and save a variety of trending content and media.
• Customer review networks: Sites like Yelp, Zomato, and TripAdvisor allow users to find, share, and review information about a variety of products, services, or brands.

Advantages of Social Media

• Connecting people: The primary advantage of social media is connectivity. People from all over the world can easily connect with each other. Social media connects us with people we may never meet in person, yet we’re still able to develop strong relationships with them.
• Freedom of expression: On social media platforms, there are no regulators controlling what someone publishes on their social profiles. People can express their opinions without outside influence.
• Revolution in business: Social media provides small and large businesses with equal opportunities to connect with people. They can advertise their products and services through social media platforms.
• Help and assistance: Another primary advantage of social media is the availability of sections and groups on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter that are dedicated to helping people who are facing issues regarding products or services.
• Consumer insight: Brands can tailor their products and services based on what people need and are looking for. Social networking helps bridge the gap between a company and its current and potential consumers.
• Education: Social media has immensely benefited the education sector worldwide. With the arrival of online classes and the availability of various learning resources, every student can easily educate themselves.

Disadvantages of Social Media

• Misinformation and fake news: As the reach of social media increases, there is both real and fake information to be found. People can come across real news as well as fake news presented as real.
• Cyberbullying: Social media can facilitate cyberbullying, taking disagreements to new levels and leaving little escape for victims. People may feel bolder and more prone to attacking others when hiding behind their screens.
• Social Media Addiction: Social media is addictive and can be damaging to personal lives. It can also result in poor academic performance, increased inferiority complex due to constant comparison with others, and a deficit in real-life social skills and emotional intelligence.
• Privacy concerns: Many social media app servers are located outside the country, leading to instances of data leakage and breaches of user privacy. Many social media users, especially adolescents, are generally unaware of privacy guidelines.
• Health issues: Excessive use of social networking sites has created various health issues. Users addicted to these sites experience negative side effects such as headaches, eye strain, and sleep deprivation.

Future of Social Media in India:

Social media and networking have experienced tremendous growth in the last two decades, given a large number of young people in India. It has offered numerous opportunities to individuals, small businesses, educators, marketing companies, schools, and colleges. Therefore, social networking media is here to stay and will continue to grow exponentially. Additionally, e-learning has become a part of everyone’s daily routine, indicating the potential for further growth in social networking site users. There is a need to strictly regulate the flow of misinformation, abuse, fake news, etc., to prevent harm to citizens.

In conclusion, communication is vital to the human race as social beings. However, with the increasing penetration of social media, it is essential for individuals to be mindful of their time spent online. Guardians must also monitor how their children use social media, keeping an eye on their social connections and restricting the amount of time spent socialising and playing games. Social networking has both advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to approach the issue scientifically. On a positive note, we can control addictive habits in children by limiting their screen time.