Currently, social media platforms rank among the most visited sites globally due to their large fan base and consumer appeal. However, many individuals argue that social media does more harm to society than good because of data privacy and security issues, its unreliability as a marketing solution, and its potential dangers to particular community members. Nonetheless, the future advancement of society is impossible without social media due to its unrivaled contributions to business, education, and communication. Thus, this essay argues that social media has done more to help the world than it harms individuals since its negative effects can be reduced by creating awareness.
Despite the vast criticism of social media networks, the world has extensively benefited from the implementation of new information technologies. Social media solutions have made information access fast as everyone can access information once it is shared on these channels (Alnasser et al. 546). Social media has also encouraged efficient communication and self-realization due to individuals increased interactions (De Martino et al. 142). Moreover, social media has helped spearhead education and increased education opportunities for individuals globally. Unfortunately, some people believe that social media can risk the lives of particular personalities in the community and society members in general (Ilieva 556). Infringement on an individual’s private data and fraud are also some of the negative effects of social media since many people are easily misled into sharing private data. Moreover, addiction to social media is a condition associated with increased dependence on social media for entertainment and communication (Stellefson 48). According to research, uncontrollable dependence on social media can impact an individual’s lifestyle by limiting socialization and their ability to deliver on responsibilities. However, the aforementioned issues can be solved by setting up data protection algorithms or programs and educating people on how to identify inappropriate use of social media and addiction.
Social media benefits individuals by facilitating business transactions and increasing access to business opportunities. Social media is particularly useful in enterprises since it informs consumers about products through advertisements, provides room for socialization, and improves communication (Fraccastoro et al. 23). On the other hand, customers often consider social media an unreliable marketing platform as most people believe that it is one-sided. Individuals mostly sell items on social media than they purchase products (Tajvidi 115). Moreover, social media has replaced real-life communication habits and encouraged the spread of misleading information to individuals as more people are exposed to information that spreads surprisingly fast (Wibowo 86). Thus, misinformation is hard to control and limit on these platforms. Nonetheless, education on the dangers of social media and awareness can help address these issues.
However, it is relatively easy to mitigate society against the adverse impact of social media by creating awareness about its dangers. Additionally, guiding individuals on the approaches to take to safeguard their information when using these platforms can reduce potential harm (González-Padilla 142). Industry experts should take the lead by introducing fraud detection software and educating social media consumers on identifying and flag fraud and misleading information (Farpour et al. 46). Associated departments should filter posts before they are visible to the public to omit malicious or demeaning information. However, the opposition argues that perpetrators can still use images and videos for malicious aims like delivering false information, manipulation, and fraud which can mislead other customers (Rashidi 198). Nonetheless, all these issues can be checked through public awareness and emphasized training.
Social media platforms have revolutionized how individuals communicate and interact online. However, the advancement of social media technology to accommodate more intuitive features like marketplaces, business advertising, online communities, and versatile communication tools has enabled people to achieve more through these platforms. Unfortunately, it also exhibits issues in data privacy, misleading information, and over-dependence. Nonetheless, social media increasing awareness of its negativity to the public through programs, warnings, and strict training can help avoid its adverse implications on society.
Works Cited
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