Essay Sample on Social Media: Positive and Negative Impacts

Introduction

Many people around the globe are currently using social media. Over 2.3 Billion people are active social media users (Khan et al., 2014). There are many impacts of social media. Some of the effects are positive, while others are negative.

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Positive Impact

Social media is an avenue that has been used by society to bond. With increased internet use, almost everyone uses social media. Some people might use Facebook and WhatsApp, while others may prefer Instagram or Twitter. Whichever social media that a person is using, he can interact with others. The big numbers of the users make it a good poaching ground for politicians and also businesses. Politicians use social media to garner votes. Social media is preferred because one post can reach millions in a matter of minutes. Everyone in society is currently using social media to reach a big audience because most people are on their phones and other gadgets most of the time. Even in churches, pastors are using this avenue to spread the word of God.

Negative Impact

Not all people are using social media to create harmony and more interactions in the society. Others are using it to propagate lies and bullying (Khan et al., 2014). Politicians are the ones who use bloggers and their supporters mostly to tarnish other leader's reputation. Some people who become addicted to social media are unable to interact or communicate directly without using their phones. When people rely too much on social media, there is less time left to learn some social skills. Experts predict that many youths will not be able to acquire employment in the future and also there will be a shortage of the necessary skills

How Social Media has Bonded society

Social media brings the community together, as it is a significant way of interaction. The physical distance is reduced. People seem to be together even when they are far. It is possible to share information quickly, and no one is left out. There are certain groups that can be created in most of the social media platforms, Whether in Facebook or WhatsApp. The groups are mostly of people with similar interests. Everyone's idea can be heard without having to meet. It also brings families together. Sometimes one spouse may be living far from the family. Social media brings both spouses and also the children along to interact.

By checking on someone's profile, one can understand the personality of the other person. It gives a clue of the likes and dislikes of a person, and hence one is careful when dealing with the other party (Aksoy et al., 2013). The information which would have been hard to ask is available on the social media platforms. Also, it is easy to determine which kind of person you are about to approach. People who have common interests and hobbies are likely to bond more. When connections are created, one can see what their followers are posting.

Breaking news in the society is also shared in social media. It is difficult for one to be behind the news as long as he is on one or two social media. Nowadays, people are even sharing live broadcast. For example, if there was a meeting or a political campaign, one can be able to follow from any location live. Political leaders are using social media to keep in touch with those that they lead.

Some people know each other through social media, continue to bond, and beneficial relationships are born from such. Some have met business partners online. Others met spouses on social media and ended up making good families. As long as social media is not abused, it is a powerful tool in the society which can be used to create new relationships and also enhance more bonding.

How Social Media has boosted the Economy and Helped Small Business Grow

Due to the increased numbers of social media users, it has become common for businesses to utilize it in marketing. Many enterprises are operating online. These businesses contribute to the growth of the economy since they pay tax. People who had no employment also are finding jobs, and hence they are able to cater for their families

Small businesses are using social media marketing because it involves little cost. One can market his products without even paying for the ads. What is essential is just describing the product and posting clear pictures, as the business grows, one can promote the posts later. There is a significant likelihood that there will be a person who might want to buy and hence a sale is made without incurring a lot of expense. People are no longer walking in towns doing window shopping (Picazo-Vela et al.,2012). They are doing it in the comfort of their homes, and hence the market is broad. It is not limited geographically.

Target marketing is easy while using social media. One can identify social media to use or the group to post while selling something. For example, if the product is used by mainly the youths, one should focus on some groups which are for young people. The same applies when the product being sold is most likely to be bought by older people. It is possible even to set the age limit of the people that should see the post.

Social media marketing is simple to use by even small businesses. It does not require much expertise to operate. One continues learning as the business grows. Having more friends or likes in the business page mean that there is an increase in potential customers. It is suitable for small businesses since it involves little or no cost sometimes.

References

Aksoy, L., Van Riel, A., Kandampully, J., Bolton, R. N., Parasuraman, A., Hoefnagels, A., ... & Solnet, D. (2013). Understanding Generation Y and their use of social media: a review and research agenda. Journal of service management. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/09564231311326987/full/html

Khan, G. F., Swar, B., & Lee, S. K. (2014). Social media risks and benefits: A public sector perspective. Social science computer review, 32(5), 606-627. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0894439314524701

Picazo-Vela, S., Gutierrez-Martinez, I., & Luna-Reyes, L. F. (2012). Understanding risks, benefits, and strategic alternatives to social media applications in the public sector. Government information quarterly, 29(4), 504-511. https://www.jmir.org/2013/4/e85/