For the digital platform you use most (e.g.

, Instagram, Facebook, Google,

Youtube, WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, etc), please write about the stated
objectives of the platform and identify five ways in which it brings benefits to
you and five drawbacks. Discuss also whether you may change your usage of
this platform following this lecture.

One of the biggest revolutions in mass media was the introduction and
popularity of social media. And the impact of social media was and is so major
that it began an entirely new era where people are free to gain information and
express their thought. Sites like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, etc., are
dominant social media platforms that gain traction and users from all over the
globe.
Personally, the two major platforms I use are WhatsApp and Instagram, both of
which have billions of users worldwide. Both platforms are great sources of
interacting with friends and acquaintances on a daily basis, having smooth
communications and conversations in getting tasks done, and at this point in
time, even viable sources of professional interaction regarding university
assignments and announcements to get clients and grow a business.
The benefits that I get from Instagram and WhatsApp are numerous as I am a
social media content creator on Instagram. It allows me to showcase and hone
my skills all the while expressing my thoughts and work in a systematic and
organized manner i.e. in form of an Instagram page. These platforms also aid me
in making new connections, meeting new editors, and even then organizing
collaborations for marketing and content purposes. Seeing your account get
reach and engagements boost my self-confidence and motivate me to further
enhance my skills, later which I can even use in my professional life and matters.
The reach of these platforms is so fast and there are so many users on board that
missing out on any global news is not possible. It helps in staying in contact and
up to date with all trends and global news with just a click on my screen. The
digitization of media and the presence of Instagram and WhatsApp has also
greatly helped me in managing and reaching out to new potential clients as well
as learning new insights and pointers as to how I can further improve my page
and skills. Last but not the least, these platforms are also a great source of
entertainment in order to pass time, especially in awkward situations.
However, it can certainly not be ignored that the use of Instagram and
WhatsApp has detrimental effects on me as well. The worst one could be seen as
the loss of hours worth of precious time, spent merely scrolling and watching
reels and videos, purely for entertainment. Furthermore, cyberbullying and
criticism hidden in the cloak of ‘free speech’ are prevalent and nested all over
social media platforms, and Instagram is no exception. Another unfortunate
drawback is the change and alteration in identity that most people usually do as
if their virtual and physical forms are two entirely different beings. Hacking and
leakage of a person’s privacy is highly easy to do while using social media
platforms as well.
Undoubtedly, like most teenagers, I used to spend around an average 9-10
hours glued to my screen which made me lazy and lethargic and I couldn’t get
work done. However, I truly believe if a person is able to preoccupy themselves
and get busy, that number of hours greatly reduces. Furthermore, this lecture has
truly left an impact on me and further motivated me to reduce my social media
screen time, and I can proudly say that it has reduced to 2-3 hours recently.

One of the biggest revolutions in mass media was the introduction and
popularity of social media. And the impact of social media was and is so major
that it began an entirely new era where people are free to gain information and
express their thought. Sites like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, etc., are
dominant social media platforms that gain traction and users from all over the
globe.
WhatsApp and Instagram, which have billions of users globally, are the two
primary services I use personally. Both platforms are excellent for keeping in
touch with friends and acquaintances daily, having productive conversations to
complete tasks, attracting customers, and expanding a business. At this time,
they are even workable platforms for professional communication about
assignments and announcements from universities and workplaces.
As a social media content creator on Instagram, there are several advantages
that WhatsApp and Instagram provide me. It enables me to demonstrate and
improve my abilities while communicating my ideas and work in a methodical
and structured way, i.e., via an Instagram feed. These networks help me make
new connections, get to know new editors, and even set up collaborations for
marketing and content. Seeing my account gain followers and interactions gives
me more self-confidence. It inspires me to continue developing my talents, which
I can use in my work life and in other circumstances. The spread of these
platforms is very rapid, with so many people on board that missing out on any
worldwide news is impossible. By just clicking on my screen, I can keep in touch
and be informed about all trends and world news. The growth of Instagram and
WhatsApp, as well as the digitalization and digitization of media, have
considerably aided me in managing and connecting with new prospective
customers and in gaining fresh perspectives and advice on how to further
develop my page and my abilities. Last but not least, these platforms entertain to
pass the time, especially in awkward situations like meeting someone you do not
like.
However, it is undeniable that my abuse of WhatsApp and Instagram has also
negatively impacted me. The worst would be the loss of hours of valuable time
wasted scrolling and amusing myself with videos and reels. Additionally,
Instagram is not an exception to the prevalence and nesting of cyberbullying and
criticism disguising themselves as "free speech" and "freedom of thought."
Another regrettable flaw is how frequently individuals alter their identities, acting
as though their virtual and actual selves are two completely distinct beings. While
utilizing social media sites, it is also quite simple to hack someone's account or
reveal their personal information.
Without a doubt, like other teenagers, I spent an average of 9 to 10 hours glued
to my screen, which made me slothful and sleepy and prevented me from doing
my duties. However, I firmly believe that this number decreases significantly if a
person is able to engage themselves and keep themselves occupied. Additionally,
this presentation significantly influenced me and further inspired me to limit my
time spent on social media; I'm glad to announce that it has lately been down to
2-3 hours.