The Benefits of Social Media

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Have you ever felt guilty for spending too much time on Facebook? Posting too many pictures on Instagram? Perhaps you find that others have an unhealthy addiction to “twit” details of their life on Twitter. There are those who believe that social networking sites are a waste of time. That they are a detriment to “real life” social relationships. But these platforms are more than just entertaining gateways. They have a deeper impact on our society than some are willing to admit. Just like everything in life, they have their pros and cons, but the benefits of social media far outweighs the later. Research show that social media does more good than bad for society, because it spreads information faster than any other media, sparks political change, and helps socially isolated people to connect with others.

The first argument as to why social media is more beneficial to us than detrimental is it spreads information faster than any other media. From natural disasters, a famous figure passing away, or other shocking news; it only take seconds before a friend posts it on their social media page, along with their opinion or reaction. With that in mind, because we live in the information age, the abundance of data we’re exposed to can easily cause weariness (Kelly, 2010). Not every piece of news is of interest to everyone. Based on your life experience, personality, preferences, and multiple other factors, certain news will have more impact and significance to you than others. Filtering certain news report to fit your preference can save time and be more efficient than reading multiple headlines until catching one of interest. It just so happens that social media does that in a fantastic manner. Because social media are composed of friend...

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...w Research Center. (2012). What Facebook and Twitter Mean for News. Retrieved from http://stateofthemedia.org/: http://stateofthemedia.org/2012/mobile-devices-and-news-consumption-some-good-signs-for-journalism/what-facebook-and-twitter-mean-for-news/
Rosenstiel, T., & Mitchell, A. (2011). The State of the News Media 2011. Pew Research Center.
Wasserman, T. (2011, Oct. 27). The Architect of #OccupyWallStreet Praises the Power of Magical Hashtags. Retrieved from Mashable.com: http://mashable.com/2011/10/27/occupy-wall-street-adbusters/
Wilks, M. (n.d.). Online Social Networking’s Effect on Adolescent Social. Retrieved from http://www.eckerd.edu/: http://www.eckerd.edu/academics/ford/files/11/Mary_Wilks.pdf
Wolak, J., Mitchell, K. L., & and Finkelhor, D. (2002). Adolescence, Vol. 37, No.147. Close online relationships in a national sample of adolescents., pp. 441-455.

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