How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social media?
One advantage of social media is the ability to stay connected to friends and family, especially those you may not see often. You can share photos and even host events which you can invite your friends to. Social media is also a good way to meet new friends and share interests with others. Most social media sites offer groups that you can join that have a common interest or hobby so you can share ideas. Businesses can benefit from social media by advertising their business on a page. It allows businesses to showcase all of the products they have to offer. Social media also caters to those who may be looking to buy, sell, or trade items in their local community.
Many local groups are formed that allow people to sell their things or look for things to buy they may need. Social media has become the easiest way to stay in touch with your friends and family and share memories. The disadvantages of social media are that not all information you find on these sites are reliable or credible depending on the source, and it is difficult to trust everything you see or read. Another disadvantage is that it can become time-consuming, and many people can find themselves spending much more time on the sites more than they should. Finally, another disadvantage is that many people can post negative and hurtful things on social media and hurt other’s feelings. This is especially true with teenagers who fail to see the danger in posting hurtful things toward another student. Social media should be used wisely.
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of using social media can definitely alter how a person uses social media as long as they are aware of those advantages and disadvantages. If a person knows the advantages, then they will take full advantage in using the social media site in a constructive and pleasing way. They will also avoid the disadvantages of staying on the site for too long, posting negative comments, and use caution when it comes to relying on posts form other people or sources. Instead of taking part in a taboo topic conversation that could offend someone else, they will know to stay out of the conversation no matter how strongly they may feel about the topic. They will know that sometimes it is best to say nothing at all than to risk hurting or disrespecting others.
Knowing the disadvantages will also make people be especially picky when it comes to choosing who they add as friends and who they do not. Only people you personally know and trust should be added to your friend’s list. You take a dangerous chance in adding people you do not know even if they have a lot of mutual friends. People who use social media wisely know that it is not the quantity of friends that matter but the quality of friends. People who understand the negative things that are involved in social media can also make an effort to educated their other friends and family who also use the social media site. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages helps alter people because they will make better choices when using social media sites.