The world has come together on social media platforms sharing information, ideas, interests through virtual networks. Social media collectively brings an abundance of opportunities including demerits as well.
Let’s talk about the demerits first to let the positive things discussed later remain longer with you.
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10 Disadvantages of Social Media
Social media has brought many advantages and opportunities but there are also disadvantages such as narcissisms and obsession with receiving “likes” and comments.
Just as in the real world, some will be more favored and popular than others which can bring resentment. lets find some more disadvantages of internet.
1. Misuse of information
The Internet has globalized information from every corner. Many times, this information can be misused to spread wrong rumours among people.
There is nothing to stop people from sharing wrong information & influencing the receiver. One needs to be careful about the authenticity of the source consuming information.
2. Wastage of time
People easily tend to waste their time scrolling the feed on their devices. With easy access to smartphones, they get addicted to using it in a way harming their mental energy.
They unnecessarily keep on utilizing their time-consuming information not relevant to their field. This has become a major distraction and has created several problems among students. They prefer indoor surfing rather than outdoor activities.
3. Fraud in Marketing & Advertising
There have been increases in online websites & social media platforms to advertise the products by the companies.
A Lot of companies are taking the wrong advantage of this initiative by claiming the association with the original organization. Various social media handles are deceiving consumers with various prepaid online payments.
4. Comparison of life with others
Social media platforms allow the expression of a glamorized picture of the life of certain people brandishing their lifestyles. This influences the larger public to compare life with theirs and feels negative about it.
Illustrating a perfect life may not be true every time, and that’s what is not disclosed openly. This inequality creates a bridge in mind, and people criticize their life rather than appreciating things they own.
5. Hatred tool among people.
It has become easy to spread hatred among people using various social media networks. People start criticizing something not likeable by them and spread it, manipulating the subject’s content.
It’s very easy to portray negative consequences to ignite hate leading to adverse outcomes.
6. Social Media can be used to manipulate and target people for their interests.
Many cases have been reported where individuals have created a strategy to harm a person for the sake of revenge. Personal hidden interests are showcased using social media to ignite problems in someone’s life.
7. Social Media requires personal information to sign up and operate different platforms that can be used to provide & sell it to companies.
Companies utilize this information using social media marketing to study consumer behavior and provide relevant products to buy.
Continuous ads persuade the audience to buy the commodity making huge profits to companies. Such a marketing strategy creates a data divide to study consumer behavior easily and use it to their benefit.
8. Social Media being a virtual medium, has lessened our ability to communicate with people face to face.
People are getting more comfortable chatting and sharing information online rather than physical mode. Messages & calls have replaced the physical meetings. Invitations are being exchanged online as per convenience.
We have fewer meetings of people in general. There is a social divide being generated among people about who is important to address physically.
9. Everything available with a single click on the Internet has connected the world faster to connect & disconnect accordingly.
It is humanly impossible to build a strong connection with everyone you come across, resulting in a lack of emotional connection.
It is not easy and feasible to develop trust and emotional equations with people in the virtual medium. There are limitations to emotional attachment in virtual mode to develop a trustworthy companionship.
10. Social Media instruments allow individuals to portray self-created images, among others.
There is the freedom to showcase your life in your way, whether real or not, Everyone wishes to pretend to be the happy side of themselves, avoiding the moments of self-doubt, failures, and challenges. Humans are naturally inclined towards happy beings which is why sharing uncomfortable moments are not appreciated in that way.
There could be various reasons to fake your life & lifestyle among others like peer pressure, jealousy, superiority and inferiority complex.
11. Social Media has given rise to numerous Cybercrimes & Cyberbullying.
Such practices increasing among teenagers and youth as there is a lack of understanding to utilize this platform sensibly. The most commonly reported and seen crimes that occur on social media involve people making threats, bullying, harassing, and stalking others online.
Commonly prevalent Cybercrimes in social media are cyber defamation, cyber obscenity pornography, hacking, privacy.
12. Social Media is a free tool for people to explore & utilize without distinguished rules and regulations.
Lack of constraints invites people to defame and use offensive messages, languages, and videos not suitable for everyone, particularly children under the age of 18. While social media companies regularly criticize hate speech and deny violent extremism, governments dismantle business models that monetize hate, violence and misinformation. Regulatory efforts will remain largely ineffective without proper investment from the estate.
Eventually, online regulation requires broader reforms in legislation, the courts and the criminal justice system, which could include more resources, training or the creation of new institutions. Simply flagging content as illegal will not be adequate to regulate people’s suffering.
10 Advantages of social Media
With loads of disadvantages, there are pretty good advantages of social media on the youth, that can help them a lot while they brace towards their future.
Let’s find out.
1. Social Media has brought everyone under one roof digitally.
Sharing and exchanging ideas, culture & practices across different countries is a new trend now. Knowing everything about other people and nations is easily available online. One can watch a glimpse of their lifestyle via social media posts and allow us to make connections with others.
People who are shy and not very sociable find it as a comfortable source for interaction with anyone, at any time. We can find old friends from school college on social media and reconnect with them.
2. Maintaining better and positive relationships with people.
Social Media plays an important role in strengthening relationships with time. People living physically apart can stay connected without needing to chat constantly.
Going with each other’s photos on the newsfeed of social media accounts helps maintain the relationship positively. Messaging and video calling facilities are easier to maintain in long-distance relationships.
3. Social Media allows showcasing our talent and skills.
Many talented people came forward with their talents and gained wider acceptance, name, fame and wealth. One can start his/her startup in their field of mastery. For instance, various Cooking channels run & operated by housewives are gaining millions of views and teaching people how to cook easily.
Gaining followers and subscribers on showcasing your abilities attract audiences providing huge returns.
4. Social Media provides knowledge of the latest happenings.
Social media helps news travel at a faster rate. Anything happening in and around the world makes its way on social media within seconds. However, fake news labelling misinformation is being tackled by social media sites.
Improved levels of communication have made the process a lot easier and more convenient for audiences. They can watch certain news events live.
5. Social Media fosters empathy in people.
People share their lives, the ups and downs, failures and challenges with other people we think will care. By doing so, we empathies with each other.
People going through a rough phase in life share it to lessen the burden of the heart by uniting with the people who genuinely matter.
6. Social Media can be a source of help in need.
Social media can be seen as a medium to seek help when required. People keep sharing things to help each other at times. Crowdfunding and donations have been done for any noble cause encouraging faith in humanity.
7. Social Media can be used as a learning tool for learners.
Various social media platforms provide relevant guidance to their subscribers. There are paid versions for different content and subscribers. Almost everything is provided on various social media platforms in respective subjects.
YouTube is one such platform providing an abundance of information on every subject almost free. Students of respective fields can learn from using such platforms anywhere at any time. There are no time-bound restrictions for watching and learning from resources.
8. Social Media is a source of entertainment
Humans are constantly working for their survival in society. Leisure is something that refreshes their mind from the monotonous lifestyle. Using social media to stay updated, watch movies, and quality content is enjoyed by people.
People can also follow their favorite celebrities and actors to get an insight into their personal and professional life updates. Some people are growing using these platforms to become an influencer.
9. Social Media can be utilized as a wider communication tool
Social media is an effective communication tool to reach people in powerful positions. For instance, common people can raise the issue and reach their ministers by tagging them on Twitter.
If a severe issue is raised, even ministers come forward by retweeting and helping them out. Various social issues are discussed and disclosed using different social media platforms which reach the masses.
10. Social Media is also used as a medium of advertising
Different agencies operate their marketing strategies using social media platforms. Creating a webpage for the products and advertising the content online provides better trading opportunities.
People can watch the ad and buy things from there online. This has become so convenient that people’s behavior has shifted from offline purchases to online shopping. From placing orders to payments to return and cancellation, facilities provided have dominated the online business.
11. Finding a soulmate and love of life.
With easy access to smartphones and internet connectivity, almost everyone can be found on social media. With the complexity of life and changes in behavioral attitude, finding a suitable match is no less than a nightmare.
Various social media platforms created successful relations with good intentions among individuals. Finding friendships and relationships with compatible mates can be found on social media. A lot of good relations developed originally from social media.
12. The abundance of employment opportunities for people.
Social Media is more than a tool for effective communication. Social Media is evolving with better employment opportunities. Developing apps, providing quality content and operating social media handles are some new avenues of work.
Blogging, writing, video producers are a few of them with developing skills and monetizing the content for larger audiences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Infographic
Conclusion
Social media is both a boon and curse for society, depending on who is utilizing it and for what purpose. Cautious use of social media handles is an essential element for all without harming anyone intentionally.
One should be aware of the consequences of using it illegally. The utilization of social media platforms for an individual will bring positive outcomes.
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