Effects of Social Media on the Society (Essay Sample)

Effects of Social Media on the Society
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Effects of Social Media on the Society
Social media is a public online platform where individuals chat their concerns and sentiments. Billions of individuals around the world uses social media sites thus becoming part of society’s lives. Some of the popular social media sites are Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr, Reddit, Snapchat, and WhatsApp among others (Akram, 2017, p.351). Social media has completely changed and transformed the way of interaction and communication among people today. Thus, Social media can influence the society either positively or negatively depending on how it used.
Social media has benefited the society concerning connectivity, education, marketing, information and updates, advertisements and community building. Social media assists individuals to meet people they may have not met regardless of the religion and location (Siddiqui, 2016, p.73). Promotions of businesses either small or large has been made very easy by social media forums. It also enhances easy sharing of ideas beyond geographical boundaries (Akram, 2017, p.351). Therefore, without any doubt Social media is beneficial to the society.
Alternatively, one of the many negative effects of social media includes anxiety and depression. Online platforms needs constant participation which creates self-awareness that may trigger depression on some individuals. A study has shown that that people who engage in social forums, texting, and cellphone are more probable to experience depression and anxiety (Amedie, 2015, p.7). After sharing posts, some individuals tend to obsess over the number of likes they’ve gotten or not gotten, which can initiate mental health implications for people. They consider amount of likes as an evident to how others like them. Staying connected and seeking acceptance with friends is an essential component of social life but should not be overdone.
However, there are countless benefits in the social media, the negative con