The Good, The Bad, and Social Media

Grace Catalina

Social media is a popular controversy in todays society. These websites and applications were created to connect, share and participate in social networking. The types of social media and the usage of them, are continuing to grow and are becoming more popular. Lately, social media has been seen as a negative attribute to society. Hackers are leaking and stealing users personal information and cyber bullying has become a huge problem. Along with negative contributions, there are also positive ones, such as; personal relationships, entertainment, work, and studies. The article 6 Ways Social Media is Changing The World, by Alejandra Guzman, discusses the positive and negative connotations of social media on six major aspects of society (only five will be discussed).

Social media plays a huge role when it comes to businesses. Having social media pages for a business advertises products and increases sales. Digital Marketing spreads awareness and makes customers more familiar with products being sold. Customer service through social media is a easier, faster and more effective way to get into contact with businesses. One could be waiting for an email or a call back for several days but through social media, one should expect a reply in just seconds. The down side of social media and businesses is sabotage. Digital stores, newspapers, etc. are wiping out the traditional news stand and shopping malls. It is easier and more convent to purchase items online or read the news through a website.

When it comes to banking, social media is a easier and faster way to make transactions and deposits. Most work places pay their employees through direct deposit, said employees can now download an app that controls their bank account. Apps such as venmo and Apple Pay make it easier to pay friends/ family back and help one manage their accounts. The risk of being hacked through these apps is high. If a hacker were to creep into someones account, then one could lose all of their money.

Another contribute social media makes to society is through health. Social media allows patients with similar conditions to communicate. If one were to be seriously ill, having someone with a similar condition, or someone who survived the condition, helps tremendously on the patients attitude. Social media could also spread awareness about a certain disease or a certain patient who needs help. Social media cold relate badly to health because non experts could get ahold of ones information just as easily as a health care professional could. From there, random agencies could use a health condition against someone or they could harass one into buying their products.

Social media makes the life of government officials easier as well. Instead of traveling state to state, town to town, a politician could send a message to all their followers ver social media. Social media also keeps everyone involved and allows particular parties to communicate with one another. Government issues are already a problem without social media so adding social media into the equation can further complicate matters, such as issues between democrats and republicans.

Social media can also help in nature issues, such as natural disasters and global warming. After a natural disaster, social media brings the community together. Victims can start a go fund me or a kick starter through social medias like Facebook in order to repair anything a natural disaster ruined. Social media can also tell one if the area in which they live, is in danger. Social media has also brought a lot of attention to big world issues, such as global warming. Having citizens aware of the work around them is a super important aspect of living.

Guzman, Alejandra. “6 Ways Social Media is Changing The World.” World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/6-ways-social-media-is-changing-the-world/