Power of Social Media: Unleashing Positive Impact

Introduction to the Impact of Social Media

Social media is very popular and continues to increase in popularity every year; since 2006, the use of social media has grown by leaps and bounds every year. There are now millions of users all over the world. Every year its’ use continues to grow, and more people find new and better uses for this technology. Within this population, many are teens. As with any group, teens should use social media responsibly and with some oversight by parents, teachers, and others in authority.

With the good use of social media, many improvements and good things happen in society. When social media is used within reasonable limitations, positive results occur.

Connectivity Through Social Media

One of the most positive and powerful uses for social media is connectivity. Social media lets people connect with others all over the world. One can connect with individuals or groups to share ideas and work on things together. Friendships can grow, and work relationships can grow all over the world. These are positive outcomes when used in a controlled use of social media.

Community Building and Support on Social Media

Sharing with each other to help in a community can be done through social media. Whether you want to share what you know or get guidance from another person, social media lets this happen. For example, the ‘Go Fund’ pages are now set up to raise money for people who need help due to disasters. Community efforts such as special projects or holiday events are also organized through social media. When contacts occur within specific limitations and within clear guidelines, positive results occur.

Educational Advantages of Social Media

Education can be obtained and promoted through social media. Students can research schoolwork and do their coursework online. Teachers can assist students and teach and counsel them online, just as in the classroom. This allows students to obtain an education that may have hardships or limitations that keep them from attending regular classrooms. By using social media for education, time and money can be more efficiently and effectively.

Instant Access to Information and Current Events

Information and current events can be obtained from social media. Because information can be posted as it happens, people can know about world events instantly. One can know the latest status of situations like wars or events such as hurricanes or tornadoes. This allows us to react to catastrophes and disasters in a more timely manner, possibly saving lives.

Conclusion: Responsible Use of Social Media by Teens

The use of social media for numerous purposes, as outlined in this paper, can be very positive when handled in a responsible and controlled manner. Teens should use social media, taking into consideration the positive effects that can be realized through its use. Teens should subscribe to limitations assigned to the use of social media by those in authority over the media and the computers being used. Through positive focus and responsible behavior, teens can benefit from the use of social media.

References

1. Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59-68.
2. Lenhart, A., Madden, M., Smith, A., Purcell, K., Zickuhr, K., & Rainie, L. (2011). Teens, kindness and cruelty on social network sites. Pew Internet & American Life Project.
3. Kirschner, P. A., & Karpinski, A. C. (2010). Facebook® and academic performance. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1237-1245.

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