The Impact of Social Media

750 Words2 Pages

For the past two centuries social media has been around to communicate with others. Over the years Facebook, twitter, the internet and other means of communication have evolved. The use of social media has spread throughout the world. Even Pope Benedict XVI sent out a twitter message during his weekly general meeting at the Vatican (Gifford). The use of social media may impact personal relationships, privacy rights, become a worrisome distraction, influence politics, and fuel democratic revolutions.

With many people communicating with friends and family online, debate is growing about whether that is healthy for relationships. Critics of social media argue that “teens are showing a decrease … from previous generations when it comes to expressing themselves and interacting with others” (Clemmitt). Critics also argue that many teenagers today are, “forgoing face-to-face conversations whenever possible in favor of writing on a Facebook wall or texting" (“Social Networking”). Critics believe that social media is making relationships difficult because it makes teens lack the ability to talk to someone in person. This negatively affects teens because talking to someone in person is a necessary skill for many jobs.

Although critics argue that social media is unhealthy for relationships, supporters argue that it helps them. Supporters argue that it “makes it easier for individuals to keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues” (Clemmitt). They also argue that “most people use social media not to avoid others but to stay in touch with them” (“Social Networking”). Social media helps people make new friends and get to know them.

It has been continually argued that social media threatens privacy rights. Whenever someone uses the...

... middle of paper ...

...y prevent face-to-face communication; waste time; expose users privacy to advertising; and spread dangerous information. Even though Social media is a controversial issue, Social media continues to grow and evolve.

Works Cited

Clemmitt, Marcia. "Social Media Explosion." CQ Researcher 25 Jan. 2013: 81-104. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.

Gifford, Clive. Media & Communications. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2000. Print.

Price, Tom. "Social Media and Politics." CQ Researcher 12 Oct. 2012: 865-88. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.

"Social Media Help Fuel Democratic Revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia (sidebar)." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. .

"Social Networking/Web 2.0." Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. .

Open Document