THE PROS AND CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

AZEEZAT OLUWATOYIN BALOGUN MATRIC NUMBER: 20/01 MCM 007

Social media is fast becoming the most popular channel through which people worldwide communicate or interact. Since the late 1990s, the world has developed from what it used to be, and technology keeps improving. The algorithm has a spectacular way of connecting people with similar interests, and no one is left out of the fun. Social media is one of the quickest channels for trending news and real-time information, and as long as there is good internet, you are connected and in the loop of everything happening around you. Social media has come to stay, but no doubt, it has its cons and pros. In this essay, I’ll analyze the cons and pros of social media, which we could also call “the advantages and disadvantages of social media.”

THE PROS OF SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Human connection:

Distance is no longer a barrier to human interaction. Social media helps friends and family stay connected. Family, friends, and work acquaintances stay connected through phone calls, video calls, text messages, or direct messages. People connect via apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Facetime, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc. The convenience of connecting with people thousands of miles away brings loved ones closer and through easy and instant communication, productivity easier is achieved in organizations.

• Quick access to information:

In a fast-paced world, social media provides first-hand information on real-time news and events. As more and more people are starting to ditch printed newspapers and magazines, information is passed on very quickly on social media, and everyone is informed of the happenings around them, either directly or by word-of-mouth. During the surge of the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, helpful information was shared online, which guided people through keeping safe and limiting the spread of the virus.

• Brand Building:

Since the advent and popularity of social media, more and more businesses are utilizing this opportunity to promote their brands, attract customers, and generate income. Social media is undoubtedly one of the best marketing/advertising and sales outlets in history. Most businesses use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter; including newsletters to reach existing and potential customers. They also run advertisements on their websites and employ affiliate websites to create awareness. The more people know about their brands and patronize them, the more the word spreads and the more income they generate.

• Networking and Employment:

Social media is one of the leading places for people around the world to find employment. There are several platforms where job seekers and potential employers interact and connect, through networking. People find job postings geared towards their area of interest and concentration. LinkedIn is one of the most popular platforms where people find varieties of jobs ranging from remote to hybrid or part-time or full-time. People also have the option of relocating from one country to another, all thanks to LinkedIn and other job search platforms.

• Leisure scrolling and fun:

Social media is diverse in content. No matter what you’re looking for, there is something for you. Social media saves the day when you’re bored. Research also proves that people relax and are occupied when they scroll through social media. There is an array of content to explore, like fashion, gossip, comedy, games, trends, etc.

THE CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

• Time wastage (Distraction and Procrastination):

It is easy to get carried away when scrolling through social media. This lowers productivity and increases procrastination. Social media is addictive, and most people find it hard to quit. The algorithm is designed to keep people’s eyes glued to their devices. This trick always works unless you are determined to stop the habit of impulsive scrolling or take specific measures toward reducing social media usage.

• Depression:

No thanks to social media, we are starting to see a surge in depression and other mental health issues. People display their fake or perfect lives on social media, which results in comparison and low self-esteem in other people. Not everything on social media is real, but sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between fake and accurate. People are often misled by what they consume, sometimes leading to self-hatred, anxiety and even suicide.

• Over-sharing information and privacy concerns:

With millions of people having access to social media, sometimes people overshare information with hopes of becoming famous or gathering an audience. Oversharing information is a mistake that sometimes has consequences that can’t be undone. There are also privacy concerns with sharing live locations and being vulnerable to threats, kidnapping and other kinds of danger. It is not uncommon to see people run for political offices and have their online content used against them. These could be content they shared in the past and deleted, but nothing on social media is ever completely wiped out or deleted. It’s best to be careful what you post to avoid scandals, threats, and future embarrassment altogether.

• Misleading information:

Social media is the source of the latest information on almost everything, but some resources and information on social media are far from accurate. People go as far as self-diagnosing certain illnesses and self-medicating, using resources found on the internet. This is a dangerous move with great consequences. The hospital is the best place to get the best diagnoses and treatment for any illness.

• Plagiarism and unseriousness in students:

Gone are the days when materials for projects, thesis, or homework had to be sourced from the library. There are now online platforms and resources where students are able to copy materials word for word, which takes away from the originality of their work. Students are lazy to write projects in their own words and are marked down for plagiarism and other malpractices. While the internet is a good place for resources, it’s imperative that students are original and true to their own work for the sake of their integrity.

In summary, social media is both advantageous and dangerous, but when used with caution, we get the best out of it.