By now, we are all aware that social media has had a tremendous impact on our culture and society. Social media websites are some of the most popular websites people visited on the Internet. They have revolutionized the way people communicate and socialize on the Web.
However, aside from seeing your friends’ meals on Facebook, what are some of the real impacts, both positive and negative, that social media has had on our society?
Here is a closer look at the effect of social media on business, socialization as well as some of the negative effects such as cyber bullying and privacy.
Impact on Business
Companies are using social media to advertise their products, build customer loyalty and many other functions. Interactions and feedback from customers help businesses to understand the market, and adjust their products and strategies. Many firms organize contests and give away prizes to inspire consumers to visit their social website page more often. Compared to television advertisements and other expensive forms of marketing, social media presence is a cheap and effective means to enhance brand image and popularity.
Effect on Socialization
Social networks offer the opportunity for people to reconnect with their old friends, make new friends, trade ideas, share content and pictures, and many other activities. Users can stay side by side with the latest global and local developments, and participate in campaigns and activities of their choice. Professionals use social media sites like LinkedIn to enhance their career and business opportunity. Students can collaborate with their peers to improve their academic proficiency and communication skills. You can learn about different cultures and societies by connecting with people in other countries.
Negative Effects of Social Media on some Individuals
Unfortunately, there are a few downsides too to social networking. Many introverts and socially reclusive users place too much emphasis on virtual interaction, and ignore the real world outside. In addition, social media sites can make it more difficult for us to distinguish between the meaningful relationships we have in the real world, and the many irregular relationships formed through social media. By focusing so much of our time on these less meaningful relationships, our most important connections may weaken.
Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying is the act of harming or harassing via information technology networks in a repeated and deliberate manner. According to U.S. Legal Definitions, "cyber-bullying could be limited to posting rumors or gossips about a person in the internet bringing about hatred in other’s minds or it may go to the extent of identifying victims and publishing materials severely defaming and humiliating them."
Kids especially are vulnerable to the practice of cyber-bullying. The devastation of these online attacks can leave deep mental scars. In several well-publicized cases, victims have even been driven to suicide.
Impact on Productivity
Many companies have blocked social networks on their office Internet as addicted employees can distract themselves on such sites, instead of focusing on work. In fact, studies show that British companies have lost billions of dollars per year in productivity because of social media addiction among employees.
Impact on Privacy
If you are not cautious, what you post on the social media can come back to haunt you. Revealing personal information on social sites can make users vulnerable to crimes like identity theft, stalking, etc. Many companies perform a background check on the Internet before hiring an employee. If a prospective employee has posted something embarrassing on social media, it can drastically affect their chances of getting the job. The same goes for our relationships too, as our loved ones and friends may get to know if we post something undesirable on social networks.
Conclusion
Social media has its advantages and drawbacks as revealed in this blog. It is up to each user to use social sites wisely to enhance their professional and social life, and be careful to ensure they do not fall victim to online dangers.