Social media is such a massive part of all our lives that it can no longer be ignored. The question is whether social networking sites are good for society.
As with everything, there are good things and bad things about social networking. And in this article we explore some of the positive impacts of social media.
1. Social Media Makes It Easier to Make Friends
The rise of smartphones helped change this, connecting people in a new way, but then social networks sprang up and the whole idea of friendship changed again. And there's no going back.
It's entirely possible to have hundreds of friends on Facebook. They may not be friends you spend time with in the real world, but they're friends nonetheless. There are several people I consider friends who I have never met in real life, but that doesn't lessen the connection we have thanks to our interactions on social media.
Social media can help you make and keep friends.
2. Social Media Fosters Empathy
Each of us spends a little too long talking about ourselves on social media sites. Which is perfectly natural. We're sharing our lives---the ups and downs, the twists and turns---with people we think will care.
They generally do care, and will tell you so. They will listen to what you have to say, and help you deal with any problems you may be facing. If this isn't the case, then you may want to find new friends.
3. Social Media Allows for Speedy Communication
Writing a Tweet takes all of 20 seconds, and with cross-posting to other social networks switched on, that update can reach everyone you want it to reach (and probably more besides) in an instant.
One of the reasons many people dislike making phone calls is the unnecessary banter they necessitate. You can't just say what you want to say and then hang up. Because doing so is seen as rude. Instead, you have to swap pleasantries before saying what you want to say, and then swap more pleasantries before the conversation comes to a natural conclusion.
4. Social Media Makes the World Seem Smaller
It isn't just your inner circle of close friends and even closer family members that social networking sites allow you to communicate with easily and effectively. One of the good things about social media is its power to open the world up to you, making it a smaller place than it has ever been before.
So much so that I actually haven't a clue where many of my contacts reside. When it comes to social media, everyone is equal, regardless of location.
Family members living abroad can be kept abreast of the latest happenings in your world as quickly as those living next door. Friends you haven't seen since school, and who have since moved away, are able to keep in touch. Social networking sites mean someone's physical location has become a lot less important.
5. Social Media Helps You Build Relationships
There is no doubting that having social networking in our lives can lead to relationships breaking up. But there is another side to the story, which is that people are moving onto other, perhaps better, relationships.
Social networks can put you (back) in touch with people who you have lots in common with, and that common ground is often the starting point for long-lasting relationships.
.webp)
