Introduction
The modern Internet is one of the most effective means of communication between people and provides various platforms and methods for communication. Now young people can communicate with each other from almost any part of the globe where Internet services are available, using social networks. Although social networks provide people with various opportunities and have several advantages, nevertheless, the constant time spent on social networks has many disadvantages.
Positive Impact
Social media provide limitless opportunities for creating communities, as many people with similar interests can be found in them. In addition, for some people, communication on the Internet can be more accessible and at ease, as people can feel more comfortable than in real life (Goodyear et al., 2019). Furthermore, in some social networks, people can express opinions on various topics through blogs, social networks, videos, podcasts, etc.
In addition to communication, social networks provide an opportunity for self-education. People from different countries teach each other foreign languages and cultures (Goodyear et al., 2019). Moreover, often young people can exchange books and give each other advice on narrow topics in which one of the interlocutors may be an expert. Social media also provide an opportunity to undergo various online training and participate in webinars that will help a person in self-development and acquisition of new knowledge.
Negative Impact
On modern social media, people can spend an unlimited amount of time, which leads to severe consequences associated with difficulties in socialization and the acquisition of communication skills. Some people spend too much time on social networks, lose their communication skills in real life, and cannot normally interact with their friends, relatives, and acquaintances (Tamplin et al., 2018). Frequent spending on social networks can negatively impact a person’s health, leading to depression and nervous breakdowns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the positive side of the influence of the Internet on the socialization of young people is quite significant. People have received new Internet platforms and opportunities for communication and information exchange, which can facilitate or accelerate their socialization. In addition, users of social networks began to have the opportunity to self-develop and improve, gaining new knowledge. Nevertheless, social networks can have their drawbacks, such as the loss of communication skills in real life and the acquisition of nervous diseases.
References
Goodyear, V., Armour, K., & Wood, H. (2019). Young people and their engagement with health-related social media: New perspectives. Sport, Education and Society, 24(7), 673-688.
Tamplin, N., McLean, S., & Paxton, S. (2018). Social media literacy protects against the negative impact of exposure to appearance ideal social media images in young adult women but not men. Body Image, 26(1), 29-37.