Social media has changed the way we communicate today, having a significant impact on how individuals live their daily lives. Social media has widened the scope of ideas globally and brought individuals together who share interests. Social media has had a significant impact on society and human behaviour, too, though.
When we experiment with technology, especially with social media, human behaviour evolves more. People now utilise social media on a daily basis to such an extent that it is gradually changing how we behave.
POSITIVE IMPACT ON HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
Social media(Instagram, Facebook) provided access to the many viewpoints and ideas of people from various cultures and geographical locations. This has the potential to open people’s minds, dispel stereotypes about certain communities, and foster respect between those from various origins. Through social media, people are increasing their knowledge.
The majority of social media content producers inspire readers to develop new abilities, take care of themselves, and pursue their passions in the workplace. This has a favourable effect on how people behave.
When we experiment with technology, especially with social media, human behaviour evolves more. People now utilise social media on a daily basis to such an extent that it is gradually changing how we behave.
POSITIVE IMPACT ON SOCIETY
Up until recently, the only way to communicate with people was through traditional media (print, television, etc.). Not everyone was able to communicate their ideas and knowledge to others. The majority of the traditional media outlets are controlled by large corporations. Since everyone may now reach a wider audience with their contributions thanks to social media, democracy and equality have been enhanced.
Minorities and weaker populations can express themselves through social media. For instance, more and more women who were previously discouraged from speaking up owing to cultural conventions are now doing so through social media. Another illustration is the fact that people with disabilities are speaking out to the government and society and sharing content to inspire those who are struggling.
People are cooperating constructively. They are pressuring governments to perform their jobs by tweeting using hashtags. The use of social media can benefit society. Social media, for instance, was crucial to the Arab Spring.
NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HUMAN BEHAVIOUR
Through social media, many people achieved celebrity status. Many people are being inspired to pursue celebrity status by this. Some people are becoming narcissistic and self-absorbed as a result of the procedure.
Many people believe that social media encourages violent behaviour. People could not readily harass others before the advent of the internet. By masking their identity, anyone can now simply threaten and harass others. The majority of social media content producers deal with trolls, threats, and cyberbullying. People who often harass people online often behave more violently.
Teenagers in particular experience anxiety and depression when they are the target of cyberbullying. Because they are unaware of proper online behaviour, some people engage in cyberbullying.
Due to the prevalence of people showcasing their talents on social media, some young people have low self-esteem issues.
Social media has the ability to incite rage in some individuals and societies. This rage is now manifesting in daily life.
On social media, there is a tonne of content about cosmetics and beauty supplies. On YouTube, there is a tonne of makeup channels. People are using high-quality films and photographs to advertise goods to enhance their external appearance. Because of this, people—especially girls—place an excessive amount of value on appearance.
False information is making people anxious. Conflicts and hate between communities are a result of this.
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON SOCIETY
Additionally, it encourages rumours and harms people’s reputations. The main factor in making content viral is social media. However, not all popular media is reliable. Numerous instances of bogus news becoming viral have occurred. A mob has recently lynched a couple of persons on different occasions. This occurred as a result of their acceptance of false information that local child traffickers were active. The villagers believed they came to their area to abduct children, so they killed innocent individuals.
Social media is being used by powerful individuals to force their views on others. For instance, political parties are now producing a lot of content for social media to sway public opinion and impact political outcomes.
One of the main drawbacks of social media is trolling. This political tolling is also fairly prevalent.
Social media is another tool used by militant groups to persuade and manipulate children into joining their causes.
Large companies have the advantage of being the best in their industry. They invest a lot of money to produce excellent material that is favourable to them. Additionally, they can use adverts to increase engagement.
Social media has a big role in promoting materialism.
CONCLUSION
Social media can be seen as a benefit to society, despite its drawbacks. However, severe measures should be done to counteract the damaging effects of social media, such as trolling and fake news. Together, artificial intelligence and cyber defence cells can greatly reduce these issues. Additionally, moral principles must be taught in schools and colleges. Programs that raise awareness to assist people to understand the advantages and disadvantages of social media. We now have new means of communication thanks to online life, and social media has had a significant impact on people’s everyday lives. People with common interests have been brought together through the internet, and the skyline of ideas has expanded globally. On the other hand, there has also been a social and behavioural impact of internet networking.
When the most innovative items are introduced, notably web-based social networking, human behaviour changes the greatest. Humans now regularly use social media to such an extent that it is progressively introducing an articulation into their behaviour.
Online life can be seen as a haven for society, despite the fact that there are certain bad effects. However, real improvements must be made to lessen the bad effects of online life, such as fake news, trolling, and so forth.
When all is said and done, digital security cells and artificial intelligence can handle these problems. In addition, moral values should be taught in schools and institutions.
Programs that promote mindfulness encourage people to consider both the positive and negative aspects of online social networking.
