1. Social Media: A Blessing or A Curse
The invention of social media has changed our lives tremendously. It is a very important and
popular tool as it provides us many useful and user friendly features. Social media platforms have
4.70 billion active users around the world. From Facebook to Instagram, social media has its roots.
The youngsters are one of the most dominant users of social media in these days. People have
embraced social media so deeply that it has become an integral part of their lives. There is a lot of
debate about the effects of social media on society as a whole. Some feel it’s a boon, while others
think it is a curse.
However, there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for this technology which has spread
like wildfire. If we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find a lot of advantages. The
most important one is being a great tool for learning. We can find all kinds of information in a
single click. Students can enhance their learning on various topics using social media platforms
like YouTube. The primary advantage of social media is connectivity. It has changed this world
into a global village. People from all over the world can connect with each other easily.
Social media is generally recommended by many experts for business promotion. It provides tools
like social media marketing to reach millions of potential clients. Employers can reach out to
potential job seekers. Many people use social media to make themselves heard by the higher
authorities. According to a famous American author, Amy Jo Martin,
“Social media is the ultimate equalizer. It gives a voice and platform to anyone willing to
engage.”
(Amy Jo Martin)
Despite having such unique advantages, it also has many disadvantages. Many physiatrists believe
that social media is a single factor causing depression and anxiety. It is also a cause of poor mental
growth in children. Excessive use of social media can lead to poor sleeping patterns. If the use of
social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences. Many other adverse effects
include cyberbullying, hacking, online transaction frauds etc. Fake news travel faster than anything
on social media, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens. According the Pete Cashmore,
“Privacy is dead and social media holds the smoking gun.”
(Pete Cashmore)
In short, technology is neutral. It is neither good nor bad. It’s positive and negative use depends on the
users at the end. The youth must create a balance between their academic performances, physical
activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social
media. We have to believe that social media is now an important part of our life and with a little
maturity and responsibility, we can make a good use of social media!
