Introduction
In a dynamic world catalyzed by the rapid advancement of technology, the use of social media is becoming a daily routine for a considerable number of users. Social networks have now become the mouthpieces of information, presenting individuals with the opportunity not only to communicate but also to receive news, read publications, share comments, and spend their leisure time. Obviously, such a grandiose influence of virtual platforms cannot have an unambiguous effect on society, which leads to the need to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of using social networks.
Discussion
In terms of positive aspects, social networks allow the realization of the function of maintaining communication, conceived as a fundamental one. Through such platforms, individuals can stay connected not only with people from their immediate environment but also with friends, relatives, and strangers from other countries. From such globality comes another advantage, namely the ability to learn relevant information almost instantly. News about tragedies, holidays, cultural events, and other information can be disseminated to a global community of users in minutes (Ahmed and Lugovic 1). This creates a sense of unity and belonging, which becomes especially important for users. With the help of the community created and developed on social networks, morally relevant ideas can be promoted to the masses and become more popular among users from different countries. Examples of such ideas include the need for tolerant relationships, calls for peace, feminism, and the fight for equal rights.
On the other hand, social media also has disadvantages that affect the user experience. The immediacy and mass distribution of information through such platforms pose a threat to the credibility of published information. Social networks are used as mouthpieces of propaganda and fake news, which allows to manipulate of the mood of the public masses (Yuskiv 1078). In addition, their excessive use can be addictive, causing mental and physical disorders in the individual (Sun and Zhang 4). We should also note the phenomenon of cyberbullying, which is catalyzed in social networks: the user can be deliberately insulted, humiliated, and intimidated by other people on the platform, which in some cases can lead to tragic consequences.
Conclusion
Thus, social media should not be seen as an unambiguous phenomenon, bringing only negative or positive aspects to society. On the contrary, such platforms, a product of their time, are only tools of a global community that can use social media differentially. This essay, supported by scientific evidence, has analyzed the various effects of social media, and demonstrated that they should be treated critically, emphasizing the multiplicity of their manifestations.
Works Cited
Ahmed, Wasim and Lugovic, Sergej. “Social Media Analytics: Analysis and Visualisation of News Diffusion using NodeXL.” Online Information Review, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 149-160.
Sun, Yalin, and Yan Zhang. “A Review of Theories and Models Applied in Studies of Social Media Addiction and Implications for Future Research.” Addictive Behaviors, vol. 114, 2021, pp. 1-5.
Yuskiv, Khrystyna Victorivna. “Social Media Policy against Russian Propaganda in Ukraine.” Baltija Publishing, vol. 1, 2022, pp. 1078-1084.