User talk:Digmaan

Social media is a noun which is defined by Merriam Webster's dictionary as “forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content.” Thus, any websites used for social networking and microblogging falls into the word social media some examples are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. However, even though I don't give any examples or definiton about it many people, especially the younger generation, would know what is social media.

Social media has been of great use for us people. Life has been easier, connecting with people miles away from you has been done in just a second, widespread of information, and businesses has reached the corners of the world because of social medias and internet. I couldn't think anything social medias can't do. It became one of our daily necessities which is very hard to put away. It continues to grow and develop in order for us to have a convenient life. However, even the best has its own dangers once you've used it too much.

Before we discuss about its bad effects, let us identify first the helpful uses of social media. First of all, it helps us stay in touch with our family or even friends whom we rarely meet because of the distance. Just like what the Netivist.org have mentioned, years ago, writing letters were best although it takes few days to be received by the receiver, then letters turned to e-mails which is a lot more convenient but of course it still different to become updated to the person whom you haven't seen for ages. You may see how they are feeling, what have they been doing recently, their current pictures and some changes in their life. In this case, social medias are really of help (https://netivist.org/debate/social-networking-pros-and-cons).

Another thing is that the spread of information in the social media takes only in just a blink of an eye. Social media sites are greatly expanding from general to more specific uses that may provide interest to the users. May it be about dealing with life altering diseases, depression, global and national news, actors and actresses, how to do particular things, educational purposes, businesses, etc (https://sites.google.com/site/bhsdigicitizenship/social-media/pros-cons-of-technology). Through this, we won't have to spend so much time on finding what we are looking for most of the things are provided by the internet.

You have freedom of speech. In social medias, no one can give control on anything you want to say. People have a new way to release their insights, defend or contradict on the beliefs that is worth fighting for. Some social medias like Twitter or Reddit, may give a good way for politicians to direclty interacting with the citizens in terms of political participation and democratic processes (https://netivist.org/debate/social-networking-pros-and-cons). These are just some of the convenient and effective ways of using social medias.

Despite of having so much positive effects of social media, there still negative effects on us especially when using it excessively. It is true that communicating and connecting with the people around us was made easy but because of this we regret to see that instead of getting close we are now gradually isolating ourselves from others. People will start having hard times on building relationships personally but easier virtually. Sharing ideas vocally will make people shy and end up keeping it to themselves. We may even notice that in parties or any gatherings people are only looking on their smartphones rather than asking others “How have they been?” The real purpose of these gatherings were gone. No more physical interactions just pure usage of smartphones.

Easy access to information and news is one of the useful things in social medias. You can get information anytime, anywhere but the danger with this is that users might get or spread false news. According to Mike Urban (2012), users let bullies spread destructive information or lies about others and they allow unscruplous people to misrepresent themselves, take advantage of others or spread fake news. He also said that once information goes online, it never goes away. Yes, it is indeed true because once its already on the internet we don't have any control from it already especially when other users done saving it. (http://www2.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=412755). One article also said that we cannot always assure the validity of the information disseminated on Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites. It often spread rumors, propaganda, and misleading information which produces negative impact to users lives (https://netivist.org/debate/social-networking-pros-and-cons).

It is some kind of tool to release one's stress but most of the time it distracts us from doing the most important tasks we should be doing. Both life and work are affected because of constantly checking these accounts. It may be interesting to look at other people's life updates but in reality it doesn't give any good contribution in one's personal life. Sometimes jealousy and not perseverance win in the battle. With this action people may turn recreation to addiction or obsession with negative psychological impacts on our lives (https://netivist.org/debate/social-networking-pros-and-cons). It lessens one's self-esteem by comparing oneselves' to others. Issues about insecurities from the happiness and successes of others can deepen feelings of inferiority (https://carrierclinic.org/resources/good-bad-in-between-of-social-media/)

As Dr. David Buch, Chief Medical Officer of Carrier Clinic, concludes “As with any healthy relationship, use of social media should have its boundaries.” It is in our own hands to control the usage of social media whether it may be good or bad, healthy or unhealthy. It is us who should know whether we are abusing it or we are just doing the right way. The key to enjoy these medias is to be in moderation and having a sensible mind. The right choices in the right amoounts keep people healthy and satisfied (https://carrierclinic.org/resources/good-bad-in-between-of-social-media/). Thus stay physically and mentally healthy at all times. And utilize not only social medias but everything carefully.