Effects of Social Media on Society

Effects of Social Media on Society

In the 20th century, technological advancement has revolutionized the way of life (DuBose, 2011). Improved internet connections have transformed the world into a global village by removing the conventional barriers to communication. Social media is one of the most innovative features on the internet platform. The technology, which has improved communication, has imparted people's lives in many ways (DuBose, 2011). Social media platforms such as Facebook, Tweeter, and LinkedIn have not only revolutionized socialization process, but also facilitated the expansion of democratic space and business operations. Although social media has affected people in many positive ways, the invention has some negative effects that cannot be ignored.

Social media has changed socialization process significantly. As a result, people have shunned the tradition way of communication for the adoption of new communication channels facilitated by social media. With Facebook and Tweeter, a person can communicate with any person from any country in the world (DuBose, 2011). Besides making communication faster, the social media platforms have reduced the costs of communication less than the conventional communication networks. The transformation has not only eased communication but also changed the way people interact with each other (DuBose, 2011). Unlike with the use of telephones and written letters, the adoption of social media has allowed the ability of a person to meet and communicate with new people. This creates new social connections that expand social circles and interactions.

In democracy, the system works best with the involvement of most people. The acceleration of the adoption of social media has sparked the access to information among citizens of many countries perpetuating democracy (Fuchs, 2012). This has been possible because social media has availed tools that encourage and support alternative voices in participating in the political arenas, which in previous years have only been for the political elite people. Social media users, through the social sharing, have the opportunity to broadcast different political messages and views on different political agendas. Politicians too are able to share their sentiments directly with the people on the local level, which ensures the government expands its democratic reach. In the process, many people take part in politics expanding the democratic space.

Internet facilities have played a major role in expanding businesses all over the world. Social media has contributed much in enhancing globalization process that has improved competitiveness among business organizations (Zimmerman, 2014). In the modern day, small business can equally compete with big business organizations for market shares. Social media has provided a platform where businesses interact directly with customers, on a global level. For instance, Facebook and Tweeter offer good channels through which businesses can advertise their products and services