Essay On Social Media In America

Today’s generation in America is widely affected by social media, but the real question that millions want the answer to is what is the real impact? “76% of American adults online use social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, as of July 2015, up from 26% in 2008. On social media sites like these, users may develop biographical profiles, communicate with friends and strangers, do research, and share thoughts, photos, music, links, and more. ” Social media has been the cause of countless problems, but also the solution to numerous issues which is why it is so hard to decide if it is more helpful than it is a burden or vise versa.

The younger individuals of this society typically claim that social media is an advantage in today’s world while the older individuals typically argue that social media is putting our future societies at a disadvantage and that the younger generation is simply “too invested” in social networking and technology. A few simple concepts that have both pros and cons would include

the speed of communication, privacy, impact on students, relationships, careers, personalities, etc. Quite frankly, there are always two sides to every story and it’s all about one’s personal perspective.
Young adults in America normally are for social media because it is what a majority of them are most acquainted with.

Therefore, they are more comfortable with using social media compared to elders in America. While social media is the quickest, most convenient way of getting the news out and heard, it also allows false information to be spread which leads to rumors, misrepresentation, and/or false advertisement depending on the situation. Social media is well known for providing help for students to do better in school by being able to communicate with their peers or teachers when they possibly need help with understanding a topic or assistance on an assignment. Consequently, students who abuse the use of social media are more prone to having below average grades because they are easily distracted by social media and don’t normally have enough self discipline to put their devices away while they handle their school

work.
Elders in America generally argue that social media is creating a barrier between people and face-to-face interaction. Statistics show that from 2000 to 2011, less physical interaction reported went from 8% to 34%. Social media also has its pros when it comes to communication and interaction because some may use social media to get to know another before they meet to speak in person, and social media is the largest source used for making plans to have face-to-face contact. The older individuals in this generation also normally claim that social media is hurting today’s employees because they might be using it inappropriately such as making posts about illegal things or even something that their employer just simply may not agree with. Furthermore, younger people see social media as a tool for employment. Many use social media to pursue a job because social media is a source for job-seekers and for employers. Employers are constantly making posts about positions available, etc.
One of social media’s main controversies is how it is affecting one’s health. Social media can be a great thing for someone who is reaching out for work-out, dieting, or habitual tips. Social media allows everyone to access any remedy they feel may work for them but social media also has it’s downfalls when talking about effects on health. Social media has caused the amount of people with depression to increase drastically.