Social networking has developed and advanced dramatically in the last decade and shows no signs of coming to a halt. Just years ago, social media was not anticipated to become what it is now; a revolution in technology.
The rapid development of social media is especially evident in the 21st century where toddlers have learned to how to work an iPad before even learning to walk. For many individuals it proves to be a vital tool while for others it seems unnecessary and excessive.
Social networking is an international tool that many individuals use to connect with others such as friends, family, and colleges across the globe for a variety of reasons. It can make people feel as though they are part of an online community by allowing them to connect with anyone in the world that may share similar interests, beliefs, or goals.
Employers use social media to determine who they would like to hire and universities often look at possible candidates’ social media websites to make their final decision on whether or not they would like to accept certain individuals. Social media plays an important role in scenarios such as these so it should be taken into consideration that future employers and universities have access to what anyone posts on social media sites.
In his article entitled “Social Media- A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?” Syed Noman Ali claims that “social networks have become a crucial part in many of us” whether we realize it or not. For example, connecting with friends online is more convenient than ever and it has assisted many others in meeting new people who share common interests.
Social media has also proved to be extremely beneficial in business such as for marketing purposes and it has also created a larger profit for successful social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter. The perks that come along with being tech savvy with social media such as being part of a larger online community seem to be positive and beneficial for everyday users but it can also have a negative impact on the personal lives of individuals.
In the article entitled “The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals” Brian Jung states, “The immediacy provided by social media is available to predators as well as friends” in which he refers to cyber bullying which often occurs on the many social networking sites available to young children. Cyber bullying has a negative effect on those attacked and some have even committed suicide because of the hurtful words said to them on social media sites regardless if those words were even true or meant to be nothing more than a cruel joke. From this perspective, social media provokes a dark and negative connotation.
Addiction and isolation are some large-scale issues that may result from the constant use of social media. Many individuals will find themselves spending more quality time with their “online community” more than with those who are in their day to day lives.
Excessive use of social media, or hyper-networking, has led to increased health problems such as those mentioned in Karen Frazier’s article, “Negative Impact of Social Networking Sites,” where she states that hyper-networking is often “associated with depression, substance abuse, poor sleep patterns, suicide and poor academic performance.” These drawbacks are ones that make some people think twice before using social media while others disregard such negative effects and continue on using the sites to their leisure.
Social media can have its perks but just the same it has its drawbacks. It should be used in moderation and for good purpose so as to not cause disruption and conflict online as well as in our daily lives. Let us create a world in which toddlers learn how to take their first steps willingly towards a toy and not in motivation for the iPad their parent is holding on the opposite side of them.