Social Media: A Setback for Future Advancement

The exponential growth of the internet has been nothing short of astounding. Our society has reaped the benefits of technology for the past few decades since its discovery. Technology has developed social media and netizens have increased all over the world. Yet, as online media advance and transform our roles in the society, the rapid adoption of people on social networking attributes harmful impacts that brings problem that we should take control and be aware of.

           

            Social media is also known as online media which has the capability to build a network through connecting people from real world in the cyber world. Social networks such as facebook and twitter; blogs, wikis, podcasts, forums and microblogging are all examples of social media. It encourages participation, connectedness, conversation, openness and community. But why does its role shift from being a 'need' to being a 'danger'? Well, recent study showed that 71% think the nation would better solve its problems if the media didn't butt in (Bruning, 1995).

            Throughout the years, social networking sites have been the source most of the necessities on our day-to-day basis. Everything now is just one click away. Everything seemed so advance and overwhelming to the point that our 'hopes' are on them.

            Due to the growth of SNS's, your identity can easy be revealed. Many could claim intimate knowledge about your privacy and reputation. Hence, people tend to abuse things about you that can affect your personal life. In the same manner, cyber bullying makes anonymous harassment online a crime like peer harassment. Displaying one's entire life publicly has been recognized these days also. It seems that as our technology surpasses of levelling up, our life becomes more prone to danger, our security narrows. You could wake up in the morning receiving a threat without knowing who sent it to you because public display continues to hand without care and in difficulty. People start to isolate into narrow groups. Social media risk mental health problems due to negative online views. Worse, it despises our morality that began online sexual solicitation and predation occurrence. Moreover, it influences children's perception. In short, social media gives rise to a 'greater democracy' but 'lesser privacy' cyber world.

            Ultimately, online media has undoubtedly made its mark in our society for the worse. Its continued progress induces a setback among us despite the significance it would bring to society. Therefore, we should take an active part in producing a sound social media, but in the process, we should still be guided by our moral responsibilities not only to the people around us but also to ourselves. Only when different human races learn and practice using it properly, not abusively can we have a better world as technology offers substitutes for connecting with each other face-to-face. The challenge for you is to keep the changes positive--possessing self-awareness and controlled mind. Above all, how we've got to this place and whether we are content to be here, you and I, should take charge of it for the impact of technology on our lives will remain forever.