The Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media

In this period where almost anyone can have access to the internet with just a
click of a mobile phone, many people are exposed to a lot of different thoughts and
opinions. Different portrayals and judgments about themes and topics that matter most
to us. Although social media provides us with much information for its primary goal, it
still has its advantage and disadvantage.
Not all things in life are sunshine and butterflies. Just like many things, social
media has its disadvantages. For instance, we have the problem of addiction. The
disruptive part of social media is harmful and can even damage personal lives.
Teenagers can easily be addicted to the net and often relies on it for entertainment
purposes. This gives them little to no chance in socializing and are left out in society.
Next is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying and cyber-harassment are also defined as
online harassment. It has become extremely prevalent, particularly among adolescents.
Since anyone can do anything on social media, people – whether anonymous or not –
can send mean threats to a specific person, possibly damaging their mental health.
Finally, social media can also ruin one’s reputation. One wrong move, one wrong
post, and your name can be soiled. People may also create false stories and
accusations about you that may severely damage your status.
Moving on, despite all of these negative attributes, let’s try to see the bright side
of it and learn what benefits we can obtain from social media. Initially, education is one
of the biggest advantages of it all. Within a few seconds, we can obtain hundreds of
information about a certain topic with the use of the media. Many people rely on the net
to gather the necessary facts and material. This is why a lot of the kids today are
becoming more intelligent.
Another advantage is promotion. Whether you have a big or small brand, or
you’re thinking about starting a business, social media promotions are the way to go.
Because almost everyone uses the internet and has a mobile phone, it is easier to
accumulate a crowd to support your business through online advertising.
And last but not the least, awareness. Social media can spread awareness for
just about anything. If we don’t have social media, we wouldn’t be aware of what is
happening to the world. Take the Cagayan flooding, for example, there was little to no
news outlet that broadcasted it, but through social media sites like Facebook and
Twitter, people are spreading awareness and were making it known that the Filipinos in
Cagayan needed help. Because of social media, help was brought to them. The use of
their cellular phones and the internet can bring knowledge to millions of people.
Given these points, social media – just like many things – have pros and cons.
But it is our duty and responsibility to not allow these negative attributes obliterate our
lives. Focusing on the positive points will surely benefit us more and will allow us to be
better, sensible, and wise people.