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A Social Media Essay on its Pros and Cons

Updated on: Dec 7, 2022
social media essay

Our social media essay will help shed light on the pros and cons associated with social media and the way it has changed the world. It is a highly debatable topic and thus here’s our view regarding its positive and negative effects on society. 

Introduction to Social Media 

But first, let’s take a glance at what social media is? Well, social media is a tool that has revolutionized the digital world with its inception.  

Social media has grown to be the most influential and important virtual space, where the platform is used not only for social networking but also as a great way to advertise digitally.

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What are the popular and widely-used social media platforms?

Let’s take a look at what makes a social media platform popular and widespread. Many analysts believe it has to do with “active users.” It is a critical factor in determining growth, popularity, and engagement.

This graph depicts all the popular social media platforms in the world as of October 2021 and their number of users in millions. 

Social Media Essay - Popular Social Platforms


Source: Statitsta.com

The Top 5 social networking sites and applications, as assessed by Statista, an industry-leading provider of business statistics, are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. 

These applications are followed by many others. Facebook, the most popular social network, was the first to cross 1 billion registered accounts and now has over 2.7 billion monthly active members.

Facebook (main platform), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram are the company’s four largest social media platforms, each with over 1 billion monthly active users.

With such a growing number of users on social media, let’s now understand what the importance of social media is today. 

Importance of Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives. With the internet at your fingertips, social media can be used to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time. 

Especially since covid-19, when everyone was locked in their homes, and unable to get in touch with their friends and family, social media served as an important tool to stay updated about each other and stay connected with your loved ones.

Another emerging importance of social media owing to the pandemic is how it gave opportunities to people to make fun videos and adhere to social media challenges and activities which helped keep people entertained in such testing times. 

The importance of social media in the rising growth and scope of digital marketing has also been phenomenal. 

It is also a platform where information on a variety of topics is easily accessible. This allows people to learn a lot and stay up to date on news from around the world.

But with every good that comes with something, there’s always a negative side to it. Thus, check out the major advantages and disadvantages of social media in the progressive world of today. 

Top 10 Advantages Of Social Media

1. Facilitates Education

social media essay

In several ways, social media is used as an educational tool. People are able to learn about a lot of topics through the use of social media all from the comfort of their homes.

One classic example would be the Live sessions conducted by Industry experts and speakers on their Instagram and Facebook. 

They impart knowledge and educate people on topics outside of their textbooks and curriculum. And these Live sessions can be joined by anyone for free. 

Another way to gain knowledge is to join groups on social media that conduct open discussions on various topics and exchange knowledge for free. These are excellent ways to educate yourself

2. Reduces Communication Barriers

Decades ago, the world relied solely on letters to communicate with people in distant places. Communication was hampered as a result, and relationships suffered greatly. 

Now, Social media has enabled us to stay in touch with people both nearby and far away. And, with the rise of social media, distance is no longer an obstacle.

3. Social Impact

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), fundraisers, etc use social media for a variety of noble purposes. 

Generally, it is intended to raise awareness and assist people in discovering numerous changes that can help them improve their life. 

This helps create a social impact on a large number of people right from your fingertips. 

4. Brand Promotions

Businesses big or small can easily promote their brand effectively and efficiently through the use of social media and receive a massive amount of engagement. 

Social media has become an excellent place for advertisement, which helps brands to know the needs of their audience well. This benefits businesses of all sizes greatly.

This has led to an increase in the need for social media marketers. The next point will help you understand more in detail.

5. Employment Opportunities

The increased use of social media as a marketing tool has increased the demand for social media marketers. 

Companies want experts who can handle social media for them and carry out marketing activities that bring great results. 

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6. Content Creation

social media essay

People who love to create content whether it be video, picture, or audio can use social media to share their content with the world. 

This allows people with creative skills to flourish in the online industry and also monetize this skill which brings us to our next point.

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7. Monetization

The rise of social media content creation has resulted in a massive increase in users across multiple platforms. 

To entice users to stay and grow, social media firms have used monetization strategies such as adverts, promotions, and more. 

Anyone with a love for content creation can use this to promote their brand while also earning money. You can also create content for other brands and charge for the same.

A very popular concept is Influencers today. If you have a large follower base and the ability to truthfully influence them, brands will sponsor you to do so. 

8. Community building

These days local communities are using social media heavily to stay connected, support each other, and grow together even after lockdown. Social media has connected people with the same interests and perspectives, which has led to the formation of supportive online communities. For example, people who share the same interest in nature and the environment can form or join a community for the same. This can also lead to crisis management, and it might be useful to provide mutual aid for world problems.

9. Skill development

Due to various social media platforms, online classes have gained lots of popularity during the lockdown itself. What’s interesting is these classes are still being run on social media platforms even after the lockdown is over but also gained. People nowadays are constantly taking classes for various courses to upskill themselves for even better jobs and income opportunities.

10. Mental Health Support

People have recognized the problems that social media causes. Platforms like Reddit and Facebook have a community now, which gives a safe space to people who want to share their experiences or seek advice. 

Now, let’s glance at the disadvantages of social media and how it has a negative impact on society. 

Top 7 Disadvantages of Social Media

The dangers of social media are massive, and despite the fact that it has numerous benefits, the effects of social media can lead to harmful results sometimes.

1. Lack of Security

As social media has become more accessible to anyone with an internet connection, people have become more vulnerable to hacking. 

Many users upload important parts of their lives to social media platforms, communicate with people they don’t know and are uneducated about the do and don’ts of having a social media account. 

This leads to hackers taking advantage of such people and ending up costing them valuable information.

2. Leads To Addiction 

The ability to interact and contact friends and family at any time and from anywhere, along with a great volume of content, has led to social media addiction. We’ve also covered some points on how to beat social media addiction.

People spend more time on social media, communicating with people all over the world, and consuming content, and as a result, they get disconnected from their surroundings.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

What we see on social media is the ‘ideal’ part of a person’s life, and not their insecurities and problems. 

When we forget this, we start to compare the negative parts of our lives with the positive parts of the lives of our peers that we see online. In the long run, this damages our self-esteem.

4. Adverse Influence on Children

Children who are addicted to social media spend hours per day watching videos, photos, and other content posted by the accounts they follow. 

Other activities, such as schoolwork, sports, study, and other productive routines, are jeopardized by this addiction. In the end, the influence of social media negatively impacts the well-being of children.

It also affects their socializing skills as they find it more comfortable to talk on the phone rather than face the person. 

5. Digital Fatigue

After spending so much time on social media, especially during lockdown, many people are now facing the problem of digital fatigue. The constant screentime and virtual interaction can exhaust a human and make them feel lonely 

6. Cyberbullying and online harassment

This issue existed before, but it has increased to a greater level as more and more people are using social media. Whether your work is good or excellent, some people will always be there to criticize your content. But cyberbullying and online harassment cases can get worse.

7. Social comparison and mental health issues

Humans always tend to compare their situations with others, and social media has increased this issue of comparison, which makes people feel inadequate and pressure themselves to meet unrealistic standards. This eventually leads to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

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In conclusion, social media offers both benefits and drawbacks, but it all relies on the individual who uses it. 

The information provided can be seen as debatable but our article is not a thesis on social media and is just an accumulation of researched information in a simple and precise format.

Bonus Read: The Next Wave Of Social Media

Social media is still in its infancy and will continue to grow rapidly in the future. From the launch of the first social media platform, Myspace, to the most recent and currently popular social media platform, Facebook. 

There are currently around 4.3 Billion social media users around the world.

Every platform that has ever been released has features that are unique and engaging. That has always been the primary goal of any social media platform. From Myspace’s “ranking profile feature” to Instagram’s ‘Reels Insights features’, social media has come a long way.

With the unprecedented growth of digital marketing, social media has grown tremendously too. Almost every digital company now needs a social media team to manage its online presence. Discover how to build a career in social media marketing. Social media has become an important part of a company’s digital marketing strategy.

We hope this post has given you a better understanding of the world of social media.

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Huzaifa Dhapai

Founder at WebVerge and Team Lead in Business Technology at IIDE

Huzaifa Dhapai is an experienced founder with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry. A tech enthusiast. He always writes about Tech and Android and is an expert in Google AdSense and Google Data Studio......[Read full bio]

14 Comments

  1. Amadu Bah

    Good teaching

    Reply
  2. Riddhi Jain

    Social media essays are super important nowadays. They help us understand how platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram affect our lives. We can explore things like how we communicate, our privacy, and how we behave online. These essays make us think about the good and bad sides of social media. They also make us question things like who we are online and how we connect with others. Whether it’s looking at social media’s role in activism or its impact on mental health, these essays give us a deeper understanding of the online world we live in.

    Reply
  3. Riti

    This essay provides a balanced view of social media, acknowledging its benefits and drawbacks. It’s a timely reminder to approach these platforms mindfully. Great job!

    Reply
  4. Rashi Sharma

    In today’s interconnected world, social media plays a significant role in shaping our interactions and perspectives. This essay delves into the multifaceted impact of social media on individuals and society. From fostering connections to raising concerns about privacy and mental health, it explores the various dimensions of this digital landscape. By presenting both the advantages and challenges, the essay prompts readers to reflect on their own experiences with social media and its influence on their lives. Overall, it offers valuable insights into a topic that continues to shape our modern existence.

    Reply
  5. Name Saasha Bonthu

    Social media now plays a crucial role in our daily lives, impacting our ability to communicate, share information, and even build relationships. This essay discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social media while offering a thorough analysis of its effects. It addresses issues with privacy, mental health, and misinformation while showcasing how social media has transformed activism, commerce, and communication. All things considered, the essay presents a fair assessment of social media, recognizing its importance but urging readers to evaluate its impacts.

    Reply
  6. Rudrarajsinh Zala

    Social media has definitely converted the way how we connect, share, and receive information information. On the positive side, it also promotes global communication, facilitates information spreading, and empowers social change. However, the downsides include the spread of misinformation, online harassment, and the point of addiction. Given these facts, how can we strike a balance between the pros and cons of social media in our daily lives?

    Reply
  7. ravnit kaur

    Without a doubt, social media has revolutionized how we interact, share, and communicate in the modern world. It’s an incredibly useful tool that lets us connect with loved ones, learn new concepts, and even organize for social change. But it’s also important to recognize the drawbacks, which include possible effects on mental health, privacy issues, and the dissemination of false information. The secret is to strike a balance between taking advantage of social media’s advantages and being aware of its drawbacks. Let’s work to create a digital space that encourages responsible use, positive thinking, and deep connections.”

    Reply
  8. Ridhima Mungekar

    A well-balanced overview of pros and cons. It highlights learning, connection, and business benefits, but acknowledges addiction, unrealistic expectations, and mental health concerns. Overall, it is a neutral stance on social media’s impact.

    Reply
  9. ravnit kaur

    I appreciate you sharing this really intelligent essay about social networking! Social media has undoubtedly become a vital aspect of our life in the current digital era, impacting not only our communication but also our connections and perceptions of the outside world.

    Reply
  10. Rijul Jain

    This essay presents a comprehensive overview of the impact of social media on various aspects of our lives. It discusses how social media has become an integral part of our lives, influencing communication, business, and even politics. However, it presents a balanced view, highlighting both the positives and negatives. It’s an influential read for anyone curious about the multifaceted impact of social media in our lives today.

    Reply
  11. Abhinav Uppal

    Your essay on social media is brilliant! It lays out the good and bad sides in a clear, easy-to-understand way. How can we deal with cyberbullying?

    Reply
  12. HITIKA GURDASANI

    Social media changed life in big ways. It makes it easy to connect with friends, learn new things, and share ideas.
    It’s changed how we communicate, access information, and even do business. What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in your daily life because of social media?

    Reply
  13. MADHVI SINGH

    This essay effectively outlines the pros and cons of social media. Important points on connectivity and information sharing, alongside considerations of privacy and potential drawbacks. A balanced perspective for a comprehensive understanding.

    Reply
  14. Rounak Agarwal

    I found this blog very helpful as I came to know the importance of social media like the advantages of social media and disadvantages of social media. also, the insight on the next wave of social media was very informative. Can you suggest some good social media boasting course.

    Reply

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