Caitlyn McGregor, Contributing Writer
Over the past decade, social media has boomed all over the world. From Facebook to TikTok, most people use at least one social media app daily. Social media has significantly transformed communication and interaction, shaping how we get our information, our relationships, and even our discussions.
Although some argue it has negative consequences like fake news and isolation, evidence suggests its positive impacts outweigh these. Social media has enhanced connectivity and collaboration, promoting social change and empowering individuals.
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have broken geographical barriers, creating a global village where people can connect, engage in meaningful conversations, and collaborate on projects. These platforms facilitate the exchange of ideas, allowing individuals with shared passions to work towards common goals, such as supporting charities, advancing scientific research, or advocating for social justice.
Harold Tucker, professor of criminal justice at Saint Leo University, shared, “I do think social media has had a positive impact, because I think it has shortened the milage of the world. It allows you to be in places that you normally would have to travel to, and it allows creative people to have more insight and give more insight of those locations. In many instances, its provided people the opportunity to do many things in their lives that in other times they might not have done.”
Social media is a platform where people can immerse themselves in other cultures and places. It’s a platform for people of all ages, races, religions etc. It’s a place where people can speak their minds and feel safe about it.
Social media helps to give people a voice where they might not have one and helps them gain confidence to speak out about what they believe in. It also allows people to connect with others. Social media, indeed, has had many positive impacts.
When asked if social media has positively impacted the world, Natalia Edmonson, a freshman at Saint Leo shared, “I think social media does have a positive impact. People can access information they likely would not have seen before, if not for social media.”
Keith Jones, associate professor of marketing at Saint Leo shared his thoughts on some negative aspects of social media, “Yes, there are negative effects from social media. There is always evil that goes along with well. However, many of the issues our youth face today are related to the overdependency of social media. Still, the question becomes whether it is the social media platforms’ fault or the lack of parental involvement in the child’s life. One of my most significant concerns is how it is providing isolationism and negatively impacting face-to-face communications. But, with that said, I can chat face-to-face with family and friends because of it. So, it is literally a two-edge sword.”
Despite some of these negatives, social media helps to connect face-to-face with those far away. If we don’t start kids off at a young age on social media, we can avoid the wrong side of it and help kids to continue developing communication the correct way and not relying on social media. Although social media does present challenges and risks, such as the spread of misinformation or invasion of privacy, social media does have positive effects on communication, democracy, and social justice cannot be undermined.
