Pros and Cons of Social Networking
Social networks are very popular. Modern social networking sites are not just about connecting and sharing information. Such platforms are being used for many different purposes. Most people are still using social networking sites for social purpose while many are using them for a business purpose. Government, security agencies, researchers, etc. are using them for some different purposes.
There is a great variety of social networks. Linkedin is a social network for professionals, while Snapchat is a social network mostly for teenagers. As for Ukraine, the most popular social networks are Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and VKontakte.
As well as videogames or television, social networks have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Social Networking
Let’s get started with the positive sides of social networking. There are so many advantages of social networking sites if used properly.
Firstly, social networking gives you a chance to connect with people around the world. It helps people to communicate via messengers, share photos, impressions, ideas, thoughts, etc. This technology gives us access to easy, instant communication tools.
Secondly, social networks are a good platform to develop business. Millions of people around the world are using social media platforms for fundraising and promoting local business. Social networking sites are one of the best marketing channels available in this world. Social Media Marketing is the term described for the marketing technique used on social networking sites or platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
Thirdly, social networking sites like Facebook do have collaboration features like Group and Document sharing. One can create a group and start to share ideas and information for a specific purpose. Social networking sites are very useful to collect feedback and comments on the various idea.
What is more, it is easy to spread the message and invite many people to take part in events for awareness and activism.
In addition, it’s a lot of fun being on a social network. The elderly and people who are shy or socially isolated feel more connected to society because of social media.
Disadvantages of Social Media
Social networking sites also have many disadvantages if you do not use them consciously.
Addiction is in the first place. Social networking addict constantly checks Social Media Feed or checks out people’s profiles for hours and hours. As a result, they don’t get enough sleep and feel tired, nervous and irritated. The compulsion to use social media can make a person a social media addict.
Cyberbullying is in the second place. Since anyone can use and express on social networking sites, many use it express hatred and aggression. The public figures are the commonly targeted victims of cyberbullying. Teenagers, in particular, are at risk of cyberbullying through the use of social networking sites.
Social networking sites are linked to increased risk of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Too much time spent scrolling through social media can result in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Teenager’s mental health is especially negatively affected.
Next, there are billions of fake accounts and fake news on various social networking sites including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Besides, most of the users of social networking sites are not fully aware of the security measures they need to take care of while using social media platforms. People share thoughts, personal experience, photos, etc. on social media sites. Such information can be helpful for hackers to hack your accounts in social media, emails or even your phone.
Last but not the least drawback of social networks is lack of privacy. Your behavior on social media can help people or companies know who you are. It is not hard to find how many friends you meet daily, interact, or what type of food you like. Based on your check-ins on social media, one can easily find where you hang out. Based on your check-ins, browsing history, interaction on various Facebook pages, groups, friends or even links, bots can suggest the products or services.
As far as I am concerned, I am an active user of Instagram but I use it sensibly and I think that nowadays our life is impossible without social networks and internet. The development of social media helps to develop culture, education, languages and it is the result of globalization.
Staying in touch with family and friends is very easy today. We can update our Facebook status and folow other people on Telegram. We can also send and receive text messages from our smartphones. Social media is very convenient. Time and technology are often connected. Some people say they use apps like Instagram because they do not have time to meet peole in person.
Other people agree that they waste time online when they are at work. Some companies even decided to block popular social media sites.
I’d like to sum up everything I’ve read.
Social networks are very popular and there is a great variety of them. The most popular social networks in Ukraine are Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Telegram.
Social networks have their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of social networking sites
Firstly, social networking gives you a chance to connect with people around the world.
Secondly, social networks are a good platform to develop business.
Thirdly, one can create a group and start to share ideas and information for a specific purpose.
What is more, it is easy to spread the message.
In addition, it’s a lot of fun being on a social network.
Social networking sites disadvantages
Addiction is in the first place.
Cyberbullying is in the second place.
Social networking sites are linked to health problems like depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Next, there are billions of fake accounts and fake news.
One more negative side of social networks is lack of privacy.
As far as I am concerned, I am an active user of Instagram but I use it sensibly. I am sure that our life is impossible without social networks and the internet.
Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine our life without social networks. Although at first glance it seems that there is nothing wrong with this. However, everything has its pros and cons.
Let’s start with the fact that social networks are a place where you can communicate with your family when you are separated by thousands of kilometers. You can also find friends from different countries and as a result, learn a foreign language and learn something new.
Secondly, social networks help us to keep up with all the news, relax or, as I’ve said, learn something new.
On the other hand, in social networks, people often experience bullying and unnecessary criticism and harassment and sexual harassment. Because of this, people can get mental injuries, depression, and in the worst case, commit suicide.
In conclusion, you need to remember your safety and health. Even if it’s on the Internet, it’s worth understanding that there are bad people everywhere, and on the Internet they expose themselves with all their might, feeling impunity. Despite this, you can find good friends and get a lot of positive emotions. As for me, I can share my achievements, hobbies, emotions. It’s a place where I can find something new and interesting for myself.