TM
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. With the rise of the internet and the advent of smartphones, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and etc. have become the go-to source for communication, entertainment, and information sharing. While social media has transformed the way we connect with each other, it has also had a significant impact on society, both positive and negative.
One of the most significant advantages of social media is the ability to connect people from all over the world. Social media platforms allow people to interact with others who share similar interests and beliefs, regardless of geographical location. This has facilitated the formation of online communities, which have become an essential part of many people’s lives. Social media has also made it easier for people to stay in touch with their friends and family, even if they live far away.
Another significant benefit of social media is its ability to disseminate information quickly. News and events can be shared in real-time, and people can stay up-to-date on the latest developments in various fields, including politics, science, entertainment, and sports. Social media has also made it easier for people to access educational resources and participate in online classes, helping to democratize education.
However, social media has also been associated with several negative effects. One of the most significant concerns is the impact of social media on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Social media can also be addictive, with people spending hours scrolling through their feeds, neglecting other important aspects of their lives.
Users involuntarily cut their sleeping time due to increased use of social media. Mainly during the night where the user plans to spend the next five minutes checking on notifications and replying to some three messages and end up scrolling up and down for more than an hour and consequently sleeping on the couch for the few available hours. Both the quality and quantity of much-needed sleep is adversely affected and has led to low productivity in other aspects of life.
Social media has also been criticized for its role in spreading misinformation and propaganda. The ease with which information can be shared on social media means that false or misleading information can spread quickly, leading to confusion and misinformation. Social media has also been used to spread hate speech and extremist ideologies, causing harm to individuals and society as a whole.
In conclusion, social media has brought about significant changes to society, both positive and negative. While it has made it easier for people to connect and share information, it has also had negative impacts on mental health and contributed to the spread of misinformation. It is important to use social media responsibly and to be aware of its potential negative effects, while also recognizing its many benefits.
Jahan Shukurova,
2nd year student of the Faculty of International Relations
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
