The Negative Effects of Social Media

Social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter have become very popular in today’s
society to communicate with family, promote merchandise, and socialize with friends. Research
shows that although the commodity has become so favoured, many neglect to see the negative
effects social networking can have on a family, workplace or educational environment.

The negative effects that social media may have on a family in today’s society can be
tremendous. The amount of face-to-face communication has decreased significantly in
comparison to the screen-to-screen interaction that seems to be taking over (Birch, 2012). Social
sites such as Facebook or MySpace have formed secrecy within relationships between husband,
wife and children, so far that in–person conversations have become awkward (Pilieci, 2012).
People are becoming so oblivious to the distractions caused by these forms of media, that they
fail to recognize these as interruptions in communication, education and work life.

With the vast impact of social media, businesses struggle with the negative effects of
their employees mixing work with socializing thus accidentally releasing confidential information
and unauthorized representation of the company (Lovering). A study conducted by Cisco
Systems Inc in 2010 suggests only one in seven companies have a formal process in place
regarding social networking within a business (Lovering). When it comes to marketing strategies,
social media, if used incorrectly, can have devastating effects (Tsanadis, 2012). According to
wealth advice director, Steve Crawford, social media is meant to pull customers toward a sale, not
push them into it (Tsanadis, 2012). Aside from the publication troubles of social media, it is
common for network sites to cause a huge distraction to workers on the job.

Just as media can distract workers from their jobs, it can also distract students from their
schooling. Birch (2012) suggests that preventing kids from using their cell phones and accessing
social media is incredibly difficult to maintain without violating their rights. Some students don’t
understand that actions such as texting and facebooking during class or meetings can be very
disrespectful and interrupting (Birch, 2012).

Although social media can increase business sales, and close gaps between distant
families, they also have several negative effects on family, workplace and educational

This study source was downloaded by 100000863935362 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2023 18:10:22 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/10606411/Negative-Effects-of-Social-Media-Essay/
 environments. As studies continue, researchers will be able to develop ways to decrease the
distractions and increase productivity in all three areas of concern in the social media world.

References

Birch, B. A. (2012, Feb 10). Social media’s impact on a student's school life. Retrieved from
http://www.educationnews.org/technology/social-medias-impact-on-a-student’s-school-life/

Lovering, C. (n.d.). Negative effects of social media on business. Retrieved from

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/negative-effects-social-media-business-25682.html

Pilieci, V. (2012, Apr 01). What social media are doing to society; researchers delve into effects
of constantly keeping tabs on friends. Times - Colonist, p. 1. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/963811925?accountid=9744

Tsanadis, A. (2012). Social media a trap for unwary. Money Management, 26(7), 1-3.

This study source was downloaded by 100000863935362 from CourseHero.com on 03-16-2023 18:10:22 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/10606411/Negative-Effects-of-Social-Media-Essay/
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)