The internet has greatly influenced almost all aspects of our daily lives, and social media has become a major part of that influence. In fact, as of January 2014, 74% of online adults use social networking sites. With that percentage of people using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, social media has had to have had an effect on society.
But, how exactly has social media impacted our society and how has it transformed the world we live in?
1. Immediate News
Social media gives us immediate access to breaking news from anywhere in the world. While the events broadcast on major news networks are often edited, photos and videos posted by eyewitnesses to events are viewed without those edits. This aspect of user-generated news can be especially true in nations where censorship is common - such as in Egypt in 2011. Social media can inform the world of tragic events and crimes against humanity as they are happening and may inspire people to take action.
2. More Human Interaction
We can talk to people and develop virtual friendships with anyone from anywhere in the world via social media. We can learn about other cultures and talk to others who share common interests and concerns.
This type of interaction can be great for generating interest and donations for charitable causes. An excellent example of this is illustrated by the Ice Bucket Challenge. This event swept through Facebook and other social media channels and resulted in $115 million in donations for ALS.
3. Connect With Family and Friends
Social media is a great way to communicate with family and friends. It allows people to share stories, photographs, even videos on applications like SnapChat or Capshare Media. Moment captured, saved, and shared with loved ones with relative ease. This can be especially helpful for family members who may live a significant distance apart.
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts have been found to be a great way to stay current with friends and reconnect with those we may have lost contact with over the years.
4. Personalizing Governments and Corporations
Social media can allow government officials to post profiles that will make them seem more approachable. A Facebook page can allow the official to post thoughts, ideas, and address issues of concern to citizens. Citizens may also reach out to their government representatives with questions and concerns through a social media account.
"Like us on Facebook" is a common message posted in many places of business. Having social media accounts give corporations a more personal feel to their customers. Consumers can easily communicate with other customers as well as corporate employees.
5. Levels the Business Playing Field
Any business can have a website and social media accounts, which provides a great advantage to smaller companies.The average Joe can now influence an entire world audience with the click of a button. Social media accounts are free to set up and the content posted can encourage potential customers to visit their website. A small business can use their social media accounts for advertising and save a considerable amount of money over conventional methods of advertising. Traditional advertising can now happen both instantaneously and word-of-mouth can be at scale.
6. New Words, New Meaning
Social media has influenced our language. New words have been created and present words now have additional meanings. The use of acronyms such as LOL, OMG, and TTYL have now become common and provide a faster method of communication as there is no need to type the full message.
Blog is a new word that can be both a noun and a verb. Social media has caused the reappropriation of words. For example, friend and like are now both a noun and verb.
7. Political Impact
Social media has had a tremendous impact on world politics. The Arab Spring, the 2011 riots of Britain, and elections in the United States and other nations have all been influenced by social media. Organizing protests, spreading information about government leaders and candidates running for office have all been made much easier by the use of social media accounts.
8. Provides Anonymity
While there are plenty of positive impacts regarding social media, there are some concerns. One such negative aspect of social media is that allows people to hide their identity. These people, whether trolls or cyber bullies, can then verbally attack others anonymously. Anyone can hide their identity with easily generated screen names and use this anonymity to launch verbal tirades against governments, corporations, and individuals. The anonymity afforded by social media allows them to avoid facing consequences for their actions. Those facing such verbal attacks are not given the opportunity to face their attackers.
Whether you view social media in a positive or negative light, it has changed the way we interact with the world around us. It will be interesting to see how it affects our world in another ten years.