Facebook, Twitter and Youtube are some of the social networks which have changed the way of the people to get connected all across the world. The networks have improved their information on sharing on vast areas and significantly reducing the obstruction in communication with other people. People from every part of the world are able to see any development of events or incidents by just one click of a button through internet. For example:- If you want to participate and try to increase awareness in a particular event then you can simple share the link with your friends and family through social network. Now there are full chances of information to go viral. Therefore, social media sites are used by many different countries and cultures. But it is not necessarily in the same way. Studies have shown that cultural differences tend to have strong impact on the way people use social media.
With the help of these social media we are able to know and get information about the different revolution that takes place across the all over the world but also the social networks are often used as channels just to seek justice for the people who are affected directly and indirectly. Therefore, this social media tends to have both positive and negative impact on the people and society. Let us know about the positive impact first.
POSITIVE IMPACT
As Rutledge suggested, that there are many ways through which the social networks have changed the activism.
Firstly, the social networks have become very much fast in transferring the information. For example:- after the Tsunami in Japan’s coastline people are engaged with each other to offer support and help to the affected people through the social network services only.
Secondly, with the help of these social networks we are able to communicate faster. For example: - The Arab world has faced several revolutions including the one ongoing to oust the Syrian President and overhaul the government. All these word are shared by the rebels through the social networks like facebook, twitter or youtube etc. Still today many people uses these social networks to convey the loss of lives that are caused due to revolution in the Arab.
Thirdly, with the help of the social network we are able to donate to the other people who are in need. It is very effective and immediate funding can be done. For example: - Odisha had faced a tragedy where they required immediate funding .During the recent tragedy in Odisha where most of the donations were made through the social networks.
Lastly, these social networks have increased the psychological effects that are caused by sharing of information. It has also increased the activism and revolution all over the world. It compounds the feeling of need for our individual input during events and incidents in other parts of the world.
NEGATIVE IMPACT
Despite of the positive impact there are some negative impact too. Therefore, now we will know about the negative impacts of social media.
Depression and Anxiety
If you are spending too long on social networking sites then it could be adversely affect your mood. In fact, you are more likely to report to poor mental health and include the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Cyberbullying
Earlier, bullying was only done face-to-face. However, now, someone can be bullied online anonymously. However, now a days everyone is aware of what cyberbullying is and most of us have seen what it can do to a person. You can even be a jerk on sites without realizing it. These online attacks often leave deep mental scars and even drive people to suicide in some cases and you will be surprised to see that cyberbullying is just affecting the kids but also affecting the full grown adults.
Unrealistic Expectations
Social media influences our lives so much that it helps to form unrealistic expectations of life and friendships. The networks that do it most are Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. These are the social media platforms t which are severely lacking online authenticity.
Unhealthy Sleep Patterns
The increased rates of anxiety and depression is spending too much time on social media and it leads to poor sleep. There are numerous studies which have shown that increased use of social media has a negative effect on our sleep quality. If you find that your sleep patterns have become irregular and affecting your productivity then you should try and avoid spending a significant amount of time on social media.
Unreliable health information
Online rumours have started about the safety of certain foods, products, ingredients or which tend to have little impact in real. Unfortunately, social media users are likely to spread the misinformation, continuously which may cause readers to avoid purchasing or even considering the products or services and thus affecting the health in real.
With the introduction of this social network many people find it simpler in expressing their passion, views and interest with the other people of the world. Along with the positive impact it also tend to bring the negative impact on the lives of the people, Thus, it becomes very much essential to know how to use and how much to use the social media without effecting our personal lives.