short essay on social networks

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Essay on Effects and Impact of Social Networking Sites in 700+ Words

• Updated on  
• Mar 5, 2024

Social networking sites are platforms where people can connect, socialise, learn and entertain. These platforms are now a part of the modern world. The first social networking site was SixDegrees, launched in 1997. Today, there are 4 billion users on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Whatsapp, etc. 

However, social networking sites have given rise to cybercrimes and online frauds, to which youngsters have fallen victim. Recently, Mark Zuckerburg, the CEO of Meta, was slammed by the New Mexico District Attorney for failing to protect children from sexual predators on Facebook and Instagram. 

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Facebook
• 1.2 YouTube
• 1.3 Instagram
• 2 Positive Effects
• 3 Negative Effects
• 4 Impact of Social Networking Sites on Our Health
• 5 Advantages of Not Using Social Networking Sites
• 6 Essay on Effects and Impact of Social Networking Sites PDF

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

Popular Social Networking Sites

Also Read: Essay on Peer Pressure in 100, 200 and 350 Words

Positive Effects

• Social networking sites help us connect with our loved ones and distant friends.
• Social networking sites valuable sources of information and keep us updated on the latest trends. 
• Social networking sites can also used for educational purposes. These platforms contain educational content, discussions, and resources that support learning and skill development.
• Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook help businesses and individuals in networking, job searching, and career development.
• Social networking sites allow for real-time communication through features such as instant messaging, video calls, and live streaming.

Negative Effects

• Social networking sites are like addiction. They are designed to be engaging and use algorithms to keep users hooked. Once you start scrolling, you are presented with a constant stream of information, and notifications, and this desire for social validation can create addictive behaviours.
• Social networking sites have given birth to cybercrimes like cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hacking, malware and ransomware, spoofing, etc.
• Constant exposure to idealised representations of other’s lives on social media results in low self-esteem as we try to compare ourselves with others.
• The personal information users share on social networking sites raises concerns about privacy breaches and data misuse by hackers or third parties.
• Excessive use of social networking sites leads to time wastage and decreased productivity. Because of this, we are not able to focus on real-world tasks.
• Excessive use of social media also affects our mental health, as it results in anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
• Not everything we see on social networking sites is true. Social networking sites are a breeding ground for fake news, misinformation and rumours. 

Impact of Social Networking Sites on Our Health

• Studies have shown that there is a strong link between excessive use of social networking sites and our health.
• Staying late on social sites and constantly looking at computers or mobile devices results in weakened eyesight and headaches.
• Prioritising online interactions over face-to-face relationships can result in social isolation.
• Falling victim to cyber crimes can result in stress, anxiety and other mental issues.
• Addictive behaviour towards social networking sites can result in sleeping disturbance and mood swings.
• Social networking sites can contribute to the fear of missing out (FOMO). It can lead to feelings of anxiety or dissatisfaction with our own lives.

Advantages of Not Using Social Networking Sites

• One of the best advantages of not using social networking sites is that your data is secured. Your private information is private.
• Not using social networking can alleviate comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona.
• Without the constant distraction of social media, we will be able to build meaningful relationships.
• Continuous scrolling on social networking sites results in time wastage. We can save a lot of our precious time and indulge in quality work.
• Reducing social media presence can lead to improvements in mental health, including reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
• Avoiding social sites and cell phones at night can result in better sleep quality.

Essay on Effects and Impact of Social Networking Sites PDF

Ans: Social networking sites are platforms where people can connect, socialise, learn and entertain. Social networking sites help us connect with our loved ones and distant friends, can keep us updated on the latest trends and can also used for educational purposes. However, social networking sites are like addiction.  They are designed to be engaging and use algorithms to keep users hooked. Once you start scrolling, you are presented with a constant stream of information, and notifications, and this desire for social validation can create addictive behaviours.

Ans: Social networking sites can lead to addiction, time wastage, and cybercrimes like cyberbullying, sexual harassment, hacking, etc. The personal information users share on social networking sites raises concerns about privacy breaches and data misuse by hackers or third parties.

Ans: One of the best advantages of not using social networking sites is that your data is secured. Your private information is private. Not using social networking can alleviate comparison, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to curate a perfect online persona.

Related Articles

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu.

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

Reading Comprehension: A Brief History of Social Media

The Internet Has Come a Long Way Since the Days of MySpace

• Reading Comprehension
• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Writing Skills
• Business English
• Resources for Teachers
• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

This reading comprehension exercise focuses on a written passage about the history of social media. It's followed by a list of key vocabulary relating to social networks and technology you can use to review what you've learned.

Social Networks

Do the names Facebook , Instagram, or Twitter ring a bell? They probably do because they are some of the most popular sites on the internet today. They're called social networking sites because they allow people to interact by sharing news and personal information, photos, videos, as well as communicate through chatting or messaging one another.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of social networking sites on the internet. Facebook is the most popular, with about a billion people using it every day. Twitter, a microblogging site that limits "tweets" (short text posts) to 280 characters, is also very popular (President Donald Trump is especially fond of Twitter and tweets multiple times daily). Other popular sites include Instagram, where people share photos and videos they've taken; Snapchat, a mobile-only messaging app; Pinterest, which is like a giant online scrapbook; and YouTube, the mega-video site.

The common thread between all of these social networks is that they provide a place for people to interact, share content and ideas, and stay in touch with one another.

The Birth of Social Media

The first social networking site, Six Degrees, launched in May 1997. Like Facebook today, users could create profiles and connect with friends. But in an era of dial-up internet connections and limited bandwidth, Six Degrees had only limited impact online. In the late '90s, most people didn't use the web to interact with other people. They just browse' the sites and took advantage of the information or resources provided.

Of course, some people did create their own sites to share personal information or show off their skills. However, creating a site was difficult; you needed to know basic HTML coding. It certainly wasn't something most people wanted to do as it could take hours to get a basic page just right. That began to change with the emergence of LiveJournal and Blogger in 1999. Sites like these, first called "weblogs" (later shortened to blogs), allowed people to create and share journals online.  

Friendster and MySpace

In 2002 a site named Friendster took the internet by storm. It was the first true social networking site, where people could post personal information, create profiles, connect with friends, and find others with similar interests. It even became a popular dating site for many users. The following year, MySpace debuted. It incorporated many of the same features as Facebook and was especially popular with bands and musicians, who could share their music with others for free. Adele and Skrillex are just two musicians who owe their fame to MySpace.

Soon everyone was trying to develop a social networking site. The sites didn't provide prepackaged content to people, the way a news or entertainment site might. Instead, these social media sites helped people create, communicate and share what they loved including music, images, and videos. The key to the success of these sites is that they provide a platform on which users create their own content. 

YouTube, Facebook, and Beyond

As internet connections became faster and computers more powerful, social media became more popular. Facebook was launched in 2004, first as a social networking site for college students. YouTube launched the following year, allowing people to post videos they made or found online. Twitter launched in 2006. The appeal wasn't just being able to connect and share with others; there was also a chance you could become famous. (Justin Bieber, who began posting videos of his performances in 2007 when he was 12, was one of YouTube's first stars). 

The debut of Apple's iPhone in 2007 ushered in the era of the smartphone. Now, people could take their social networking with them wherever they went, accessing their favorite sites at the tap of an app. Over the next decade, a whole new generation of social networking sites designed to take advantage of the smartphone's multimedia capabilities emerged. Instagram and Pinterest began in 2010, Snapchat and WeChat in 2011, Telegram in 2013. All of these companies rely on the desire of users to communicate with each other, thereby creating the content that others want to consume. 

Key Vocabulary

Now that you know a little about the history of social media, it's time to test your knowledge. Look at this list of words used in the essay and define each of them. When you're finished, use a dictionary to check your answers.

social network to ring a bell site to interact content internet multimedia smartphone app web to contribute to browse a site to create code / coding blog to post to comment on to take by storm the rest was history platform to consume

• Carvin, Andy. "Time: The Life of the Blog." NPR.org. 24 December 2007.
• CBS News staff. " Then and Now: A History of Social Networking Sites ." CBSNews.com. Accessed 2 March 2018.
• Moreau, Elise. "The Top Social Networking Sites People Are Using." Lifewire.com. 6 February 2018.
• How to Ask and Answer Basic English Questions
• Using Reading Comprehension in Lessons
• Learn How to Use YouTube in the ESL Classroom
• Reading Comprehension for Presidential Elections
• English for Information Technology
• Reading Comprehension for Beginners - My Office
• Online Course Review: TestDEN TOEFL
• Intermediate Level Reading Comprehension
• Using a Mind Map for Reading Comprehension
• English Reading Comprehension Story: 'My Friend Peter'
• Beginner Dialogue: A Busy Day
• John F. Kennedy: Reading Comprehension for Advanced ESL
• Graphic Organizers
• Learn English
• Creating a Newscast as an ESL Lesson
• Reading Comprehension When Applying for a Job

148 Social Networking Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on social networking, 🔎 easy social networking research paper topics, 👍 good social networking research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting social networking research titles, 💡 simple social networking essay ideas, ❓ social networking research questions.

• Schools Should Block Social Networking Sites
• Social Networking Advantages and Disadvantages
• The Uses and Abuses of Social Networking Sites
• Excessive Use of Social Networks
• Social Networks’ Advantages and Disadvantages
• People’s Attitude toward Social Networking Services
• Technical Communication: Social Networking
• Is Social Networking Bad for Society? A modern person starts their day checking social networks for news and messages, during the day this person logs in and out multiple times to review various pages.
• The Role of Social Networks in the Political and Social Activism of Citizens Social media allows for enhancing people’s investment into the social and political changes by exposing the personal significance of the latter two for an individual.
• Aspects of Social Networking Social networking is a multifaceted phenomenon that differs from person to person. It has changed the way of communicating between individuals.
• TikTok: Getting Acquainted with Social Network It is worth highlighting some of the stigmatization of TikTok. More specifically, this social network has been firmly associated with “dancing,” “lip-syncing”, etc.
• The Link Between Self-Esteem and Social Network Usage In social networks users’ social comparisons constitute a significant aspect that influences people’s perceptions of themselves as inferior to their peers.
• Google and Social Networks This study discusses about the relationship between Google and other Social networks gives a brief introduction to Google, and how it differs from online social networking.
• Leader–Member Exchange and Social Network Theory This paper discusses leader-member exchange theory and social network theory, their differences and similarities, and their application in the field of public health.
• Social Networks Security: Ethical Issues and Practicies Social networks have been having privacy issues. This paper discusses steps that Facebook should Facebook do with the data transferred to the site by Beacon.
• Google and Social Networks: Integration Paper This integration paper is an overview of the entire week’s projects.And a discussion on the relationship between Google and Social networks.
• Social Networking at Work: Benefits and Drawbacks Social networks are often criticized by organizations since those can be one of the major distractions for employees during the working hours.
• Social Networking: Positive and Negative Outcomes Social networking creates digital ties, but real world communication channels cease to exist, which can have numerous negative outcomes in future as people can lose ability to create new ties.
• Social Networking Site Facebook Facebook is a good social networking site for it allows its users to connect with friends, learn new cultures and share and/or solve some health-related issues.
• Online Privacy on Social Networking Sites Most people do not think twice about providing this information because they assume that the site will take measures to protect their privacy.
• Social Networks: Blocking at Schools It is important for schools to block sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to protect the students from imminent danger, even for just a few hours.
• Social Networks as a New Way of Socialization Social networks have simplified socialization and given more room to find the people and information one needs without stopping at one city or country.
• Freedom of Speech: Restrictions in Social Networks Actions by the US government to influence free speech on Facebook, Twitter, and other such networks are acceptable, but only if they are related to national security.
• Restrictions on Freedom of Speech on Social Networks Social networks control modern restrictions on freedom of speech in many ways, affecting all aspects of people’s lives to reduce the existing imbalance and avoid open hatred.
• Social Network in Hiring Process Although some people are against checking social networks, they will still be helpful when hiring, as managers will be able to learn many candidate characteristics from them.
• Security of Information Sharing on Social Networking Sites The article “Exploring the security of information sharing on social networking sites” focuses on how the social networking site causes a threat to privacy and ethical conduct.
• Employee Access to Social Networks at Work In the day and age of the rise of information technology, social media serves as a powerful tool for communication for people in all areas of life.
• Social Networks’ Destructive Impact on Society As the internet becomes the primary mode of human existence, it becomes necessary to analyze the goals and methods of the few companies that control it.
• Social Networks’ Impact on Society Social networks, while creating many development opportunities, also hinder motivation to use them due to the large flows of information and, thus, distractions.
• Political Censorship in Social Networks The aim of this work is to try to form an objective unbiased idea of ​​what modern political censorship in social networks is.
• The Role of Social Networks in People’s Everyday Lives and Social Movements Social media has changed dramatically and is stuck in our minds in the 21st century; it has become a surrogate for live communication between people.
• An Analysis of the Discourse of Social Networks The paper presents an analysis of the discourse of social networks. It analyzes how users use dehumanizing language and normalize dangerous levels of hatred.
• Self-Esteem & Social Network Usage Link The paper states that social media and its principle of evaluation and approval in the form of likes harm the body’s self-esteem and self-image.
• Aspects of Technology and Social Network Technology and social networks occupy an important place in people’s lives and some individuals, bloggers, even combine work and persona life, as it brings them income.
• Harm From Social Networks and Internet Usage Social networks bring more harm than benefits and cause damage, not benefit to relationships, communication skills, and life quality.
• Social Networks’ Impact on Relationships This paper aims at analyzing the effects of a social network as a key element of an organization, its benefits, downfalls, and effects on relationships.
• Social Networks’ Impact on Companies’ Operations Social networking has become an essential medium for marketers to connect with clients and customers and positively impact business operations.
• Epatient, Social Networking, Personal Health Record Personal Health Record (PHR) is a promising technology because it combines EHR data and information obtained directly from patients even without their participation.
• Data Mining for Predictive Social Network Analysis The paper aims to reveal the mechanism of data mining with the help of Twitter and demonstrate the overall impact of Twitter and similar platforms on present-day companies.
• How IBM Integrated Social Networks Into Their Business Information Systems Business information systems can be made more efficient by improving communication between employees as well as consumers.
• Social Networks and Support for Human Health The percentage of deaths among the people that are more involved in social networks is much lower than the rate of those who mostly prefer loneliness.
• Leader-Exchange and Social Network Theory in the Healthcare Setting Leadership in the healthcare setting is vital as it contributes to the development of efficient strategies and methods to provide high-quality services.
• Models of Small-World Social Networks In study uses the Barabási-Albert scale-free network and the Watts-Strogatz small-world network, to assess the implications of different network structures and properties of disease spread.
• Impact of Social Networks on Communication Social networks have become integral parts of everyday life, thus facilitating the exchange of information, including personal and professional.
• Social Media and Social Networking in Modern Life Social media and social networking are relatively new phenomena that already have a significant effect on society.
• Social Networking Sites as a Tool for Shy and Lonely People The use of the internet has been a factor in averting loneliness because the shy and lonely have been less inhibited in online relationships.
• McCain Online Campaign in Form of Social Networking The essay reveals facts about John McCain online campaign in form of Social Networking, discusses its process and gives advantages and disadvantages of this method.
• Privacy Issues in Social Networks Privacy issues and protective measures addressing the challenges of big data in online social networks are current problems in the field of information technology.
• E-Learning and Social Networking: Articles Comparison The paper compares two studies: “The Impact of E-Learning on End-Users Satisfaction” by Singh and “Using Online Social Networking” by Argan.
• Executives’ Compensation Levels: Social Network Analysis This paper discusses how do social network analysis measures affect the compensation levels of executive directors during different economic periods.
• Pinterest: Social Network as a Communication Channel This essay describes how social networks have been used as communication channels for marketing various brands. Pinterest use to promote companies.
• Mental Disorders and Social Networks Correlation Social media is currently a vital component of enhancing communication amongst friends and families through the sharing of personal content.
• Women’s Stress Caused by Social Networks Consumption of social networks ideas creates the desire to be perfect in women leading to low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders, and at times, to suicide.
• Social Networking Sites: Companies Fan Pages Popularity Companies use several points of appeal to attract people and retain them in their fan pages. They often use display advertising where a niche market is targeted based on the profile information.
• Social Networking Benefits in Social Life In article uses the three types of appeal to demonstrate how the Facebook social networking application can actually harm relationships.
• Social Networking Media and the Revolution This paper discusses the roles, which Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have played in speeding up activists’ activities on the world stage in the past years.
• Social Networking: Privacy and Surveillance Social networking sites make an effort to protect the personal information of its users. However, few people recognize the need to enable privacy settings.
• Company’s Social Networking Policies
• Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids
• Internet and Social Networking Privacy
• Children and Social Networking
• The Difference Between Social Networking Relationships and Real-Life Relationships
• Social Networking and Its Applications to Todays Culture
• The Pros and Cons of Social Networking for Teenagers: A Parent’s Guide
• Cyberbullying: Abuse and Social Networking
• Social Networking and Health
• Dangers and Privacy Violations of Social Networking
• Social Networking and Mental Health
• American Students and Social Networking
• Social Networking and Its’ Effects on Everyday Life and How People Communicate
• College Student Social Networking and Its Relationship to Perceived Social Support
• Social Networking Sites Are Taking Control Over Human Behavior and Causing Loneliness
• The Dangers and Consequences of Seeking Popularity on Social Networking Sites
• Social Networking and the Untimely Death of Intelligence
• Online Social Networking and Office Environmental Factors That Affect Worker Productivity
• Social Networking and Effects on Society
• The Evolution and Challenges of Communication and Social Networking Technology
• Social Networking Sites Are Not Responsible for Bullying Acts on the Internet
• Project Management and Social Networking Media
• Social Networking and Its Effects on Children
• Social Networking and Its Impact on the 21st Century
• The Social Networking Sites on the Study Habits of the Students
• Internet and Social Networking and Its Impact on Business
• The Link Between Social Networking and Digital Technology
• Positive and Negative Effects of Social Networking Addiction
• Social Networking Sites Negatively Affecting Our Society
• Good Social Networking and Enterprise Reports
• Database Trigger and Social Networking Option
• Social Networking Websites Who Is Reading Your Personal Information
• Using Social Networking Sites for Teaching and Learning
• Social Networking, Social and Political Awareness
• The Social Networking Industry in the Service Sector
• Social Networking Sites and Key Task of Adolescent Psychosocial Development
• Employee Selection and Recruiting Through Social Networking
• Social Networking Can Impair Communication and Identity
• Advertising Through Social Networking Websites
• Social Networking and Its Effects on Interpersonal
• Using Social Networking Sites to Meet New People
• Factors Affecting Malaysian University Students’ Purchase Intention in Social Networking Sites
• The Advantages and Disadvantages to Using Social Networking Sites to Find Dates
• Social Networking Websites Affecting Mode of Non-Verbal Communication
• The Digital Human Activity on Social Networking Sites
• Social Networking and Transformational Leadership in Learning Organizations
• Giblin Social Networking and Revenue Sharing
• Social Networking Sites: The Privacy Enemy
• Marketing Using Social Networking
• Social Networking and Freedom of Speech
• The Link Between Social Networking Sites and Narcissism
• Social Networking Furthers Participation and Communication in Politics
• Cybercrimes Committed Through Social Networking
• Social Networking and Its Impact on the Future Development of the World
• Positive and Negative Effects of Social Networking
• Social Networking Affects Our Youth
• Ethics and Social Networking: An Interdisciplinary Approach To Evaluating Online Information Disclosure
• Social Networking Has Caused More Harm Than Good to People
• Using Social Networking Websites to Improve Academic Performance
• Social Networking: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Why Isn’t Social Networking Really Social?
• How Does Social Networking Affect Our Generation?
• Does Family Composition Affect Social Networking?
• How Does Social Networking Affect Kids’ Relationships?
• Should Parents Enforce the Usage of Social Networking From Youth?
• Are Social Networking Sites Beneficial for Our Society?
• Does Online Social Networking Hinder the Development of Teenagers?
• How Does Social Networking Affect People’s Lives?
• Are Social Networking Sites Damaging the Quality of America’s Communication?
• Does Privacy Really Exist in Social Networking?
• How Does Social Networking Affect Our Community?
• Why Do Teenagers Like to Use Online Social Networking Sites?
• Are Social Networking Sites Good for Students?
• How Does Social Networking Affect Your Privacy?
• Are Social Networking Sites Necessary?
• How Far Have Chat Rooms and Social Networking Sites Changed the Way of  Young People?
• Are Social Networking Sites Really Insecure?
• Why Are Social Networking Sites So Popular?
• How Has Social Networking Affected Society Media?
• Are Social Networking Sites Worth the Consequences?
• Does Social Networking Affect Our Society Negatively?
• How Have Social Networking Websites Affected Consumers’ Decision-Making Process?
• Should Congress Require Schools and Public Libraries to Block Social Networking Web Sites?
• How Does Social Networking Affect Students’ Lifestyles?
• What Are the Effects of Social Networking on Today’s Society?
• How Has Social Networking Changed Social Interactions?
• Why Do Mobile Users Trust Smartphone Social Networking Services?
• How Does Social Networking Create a Collaboration Culture?
• Are Social Networking Sites a Source of Online Harassment for Teens?
• How Has the Social Networking Changed Communication?

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, March 1). 148 Social Networking Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/social-networking-essay-topics/

"148 Social Networking Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 1 Mar. 2022, studycorgi.com/ideas/social-networking-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) '148 Social Networking Essay Topics'. 1 March.

1. StudyCorgi . "148 Social Networking Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/social-networking-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "148 Social Networking Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/social-networking-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "148 Social Networking Essay Topics." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/social-networking-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Social Networking were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 9, 2024 .

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Social Networking Sites and Our Lives

by Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Internet Project, Kristen Purcell, Associate Director, Research Pew Internet Project, Lauren Sessions Goulet, University of Pennsylvania, and Keith N. Hampton, University of Pennsylvania

Summary of Findings

Questions have been raised about the social impact of widespread use of social networking sites (SNS) like Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Twitter. Do these technologies isolate people and truncate their relationships? Or are there benefits associated with being connected to others in this way? The Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project decided to examine SNS in a survey that explored people’s overall social networks and how use of these technologies is related to trust, tolerance, social support, and community and political engagement.

The findings presented here paint a rich and complex picture of the role that digital technology plays in people’s social worlds. Wherever possible, we seek to disentangle whether people’s varying social behaviors and attitudes are related to the different ways they use social networking sites, or to other relevant demographic characteristics, such as age, gender and social class.

The number of those using social networking sites has nearly doubled since 2008 and the population of SNS users has gotten older.

In this Pew Internet Project sample, 79% of American adults said they used the internet and nearly half of adults (47%), or 59% of internet users, say they use at least one of SNS. This is close to double the 26% of adults (34% of internet users) who used a SNS in 2008. Among other things, this means the average age of adult-SNS users has shifted from 33 in 2008 to 38 in 2010.Over half of all adult SNS users are now over the age of 35. Some 56% of SNS users now are female.

Facebook dominates the SNS space in this survey: 92% of SNS users are on Facebook; 29% use MySpace, 18% used LinkedIn and 13% use Twitter.

There is considerable variance in the way people use various social networking sites: 52% of Facebook users and 33% of Twitter users engage with the platform daily, while only 7% of MySpace and 6% of LinkedIn users do the same.

On Facebook on an average day:

• 15% of Facebook users update their own status.
• 22% comment on another’s post or status.
• 20% comment on another user’s photos.
• 26% “Like” another user’s content.
• 10% send another user a private message

Facebook users are more trusting than others.

We asked people if they felt “that most people can be trusted.” When we used regression analysis to control for demographic factors, we found that the typical internet user is more than twice as likely as others to feel that people can be trusted. Further, we found that Facebook users are even more likely to be trusting. We used regression analysis to control for other factors and found that a Facebook user who uses the site multiple times per day is 43% more likely than other internet users and more than three times as likely as non-internet users to feel that most people can be trusted.

Facebook users have more close relationships.

The average American has just over two discussion confidants (2.16) — that is, people with whom they discuss important matters. This is a modest, but significantly larger number than the average of 1.93 core ties reported when we asked this same question in 2008. Controlling for other factors we found that someone who uses Facebook several times per day averages 9% more close, core ties in their overall social network compared with other internet users.

Facebook users get more social support than other people.

We looked at how much total support, emotional support, companionship and instrumental aid adults receive. On a scale of 100, the average American scored 75/100 on a scale of total support, 75/100 on emotional support (such as receiving advice), 76/100 in companionship (such as having people to spend time with), and 75/100 in instrumental aid (such as having someone to help if they are sick in bed).

Internet users in general score three points higher in total support, six points higher in companionship, and four points higher in instrumental support. A Facebook user who uses the site multiple times per day tends to score an additional five points higher in total support, five points higher in emotional support, and five points higher in companionship, than internet users of similar demographic characteristics. For Facebook users, the additional boost is equivalent to about half the total support that the average American receives as a result of being married or cohabitating with a partner.

Facebook users are much more politically engaged than most people.

Our survey was conducted over the November 2010 elections. At that time, 10% of Americans reported that they had attended a political rally, 23% reported that they had tried to convince someone to vote for a specific candidate, and 66% reported that they had or intended to vote. Internet users in general were over twice as likely to attend a political meeting, 78% more likely to try and influence someone’s vote, and 53% more likely to have voted or intended to vote.Compared with other internet users, and users of other SNS platforms, a Facebook user who uses the site multiple times per day was an additional two and half times more likely to attend a political rally or meeting, 57% more likely to persuade someone on their vote, and an additional 43% more likely to have said they would vote.

Facebook revives “dormant” relationships.

In our sample, the average Facebook user has 229 Facebook friends. They reported that their friends list contains:

• 22% people from high school.
• 12% extended family.
• 10% coworkers.
• 9% college friends.
• 8% immediate family.
• 7% people from voluntary groups.
• 2% neighbors.

Over 31% of Facebook friends cannot be classified into these categories. However, only 3% of Facebook friends are people users have never met in person, and only 7% are people who have met only one time. The remainder is friends-of-friends and social ties that are not currently active relationships, but “dormant” ties that may, at some point in time, become an important source of information.

Social networking sites are increasingly used to keep up with close social ties.

Looking only at those people that SNS users report as their core discussion confidants, 40% of users have friended all of their closest confidants. This is a substantial increase from the 29% of users who reported in our 2008 survey that they had friended all of their core confidants.

MySpace users are more likely to be open to opposing points of view.

We measured “perspective taking,” or the ability of people to consider multiple points of view. There is no evidence that SNS users, including those who use Facebook, are any more likely than others to cocoon themselves in social networks of like-minded and similar people, as some have feared.

Moreover, regression analysis found that those who use MySpace have significantly higher levels of perspective taking. The average adult scored 64/100 on a scale of perspective taking, using regression analysis to control for demographic factors, a MySpace user who uses the site a half dozen times per month tends to score about eight points higher on the scale.

Read the full report for an in-depth look at who are SNS users, what users do on SNS and how SNS are affecting relationships at pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet .

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings

Sign up for The Briefing

Weekly updates on the world of news & information

Most Popular

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Age & Generations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Economy & Work
• Family & Relationships
• Gender & LGBTQ
• Immigration & Migration
• International Affairs
• Internet & Technology
• Methodological Research
• News Habits & Media
• Non-U.S. Governments
• Other Topics
• Politics & Policy
• Race & Ethnicity
• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Social Media Essay

Essay on Social Media

Social media is the communal interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities. It has become the basic need and quality of human beings to be social. The spectacular developments in communications and innovative and astonishing entertainment have given access to information and the ability to provide a voice for people who would never have been heard. The current generation is fortunate enough to witness some of the most amazing technological developments ever in history. It has become the rage of this age. 

What are Some of the Most Widely used Social Media Platforms?

Simply put, let us understand the factors that have contributed to the popularity and widespread use of social media platforms in recent years. Many observers believe that the number of "active users" has something to do with the situation. This factor has a significant impact on the growth of the organization, its attractiveness, and its participation.

These applications serve as the building blocks for a large number of other applications as well. Currently, Facebook is the most popular social networking site on the planet, with more than 2.7 billion active monthly members worldwide. Each social media platform owned by the same company, including Facebook (the company's most popular forum), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, has more than 1 billion monthly active users.

In addition, as the number of people who use social media continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear how important social media has become in today's society.

Monograph on Social Media Use - An Introduction

People always want to connect themselves with society in some or another way. In earlier days, the modes of communication were limited. People socialized with others in their tracks. Earlier, socializing was narrowed to visiting each other’s places, having big gatherings, meetings in clubs, parks, and other public areas.

Now the time has changed. People have minimized their social life because of hectic life and increase in geographical distance and economic concerns. With the arrival of technology, social networking websites and applications have heralded a revolution in the world. It has indeed brought people from all over the globe closer by creating, sharing, or exchanging information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. These social networking sites are based on web-based technologies and create highly interactive platforms. It has gained momentum globally because of its better features, access, frequency, immediacy, usability, and permanence. It has been recognized so widely, and its usage has increased so incredibly today that it has moved from desktop computers to laptops to mobile phones. The platform is undoubtedly easily obtainable and accessible.

Today, every person is addicted to social media, and that too at a glaring speed. Some important social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc., have provided us with the prospect to connect with people and foster better relationships with friends and acquaintances with whom we cannot meet personally and share the happenings of our lives. Some tools like YouTube, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc., have provided the platform to share pictures and videos with friends and relatives living in distant places.

B2B social, reviews, and travel sites in social media have made it easy and exciting for people to shop and discuss with friends and others about what they are buying. Some sites offer collective buying offers to give consumers a fun-filled shopping experience. 

Social Media and Its Significance

Every person's daily routine involves some kind of social media interaction. Anyone, anywhere, at any time, can connect with you through social media as long as you have access to the internet.

While everyone was confined to their homes, unable to speak with anybody other than family and friends, it is critical to communicate with friends and family during Covid-19 to avoid being isolated. The outbreak resulted in social media being an essential tool for individuals to make entertaining videos and engage in social media challenges and activities, which helped keep people busy during these challenging circumstances.

As a result of the quick rise and extension of digital marketing, social media has played an essential part in this expansion. It's also a fantastic resource for finding information on a wide variety of topics. People may learn a great deal and stay up to date with the newest news worldwide by utilizing this. But there is always a drawback to every good that comes with it, no matter how beneficial. As a consequence, the following are some of the most significant advantages and disadvantages of social media in today's fast-paced society.

Benefits of Social Media

Social media sites are erasing differences in age and class. It has assumed a different dimension altogether through interactive sharing. It has now become a medium of mass reach at a minimum cost. Today, one can benefit from social sharing to build a reputation and bring in career opportunities. 

They target a broad audience, making it a valuable and effective tool for society. 

 It reaches people even in remote areas, and the information is spread like fire. 

Distance is no more a limitation because of social media. You are constantly updated with the latest news and happenings in the society and environment through social media websites.

Sites and blogs like Orkut, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and many more have become tools for people to connect across the globe. People can attend live talks or live sessions, or lectures happening anywhere in the world while staying at home. 

Teachers and professors can teach on different topics from remote places. 

You can now identify great possibilities for a job through multiple social media sites like LinkedIn, Google, Naukri, and job search. 

Social media enables companies to use these sites as a network to generate awareness about their product, promote their brand, and increase their sales. It saves the cost of marketing and advertising. 

These networking sites on social media provide a comprehensive platform for young aspiring artists to showcase their passion and skills.

Political leaders use the platform of social media for spreading social communication to mass. These days, the political candidates are also communicating with the voters through social media.

Nowadays, a person’s fame or popularity is determined by the number of links he has created with these social media sites. 

It is an excellent educational tool.

It has the potential to increase public awareness of a range of societal issues.

Due to the speed with which data is transmitted over the internet, consumers can stay current on the latest developments.

Social media can be used to disseminate information to the media.

Additionally, there are some social benefits, such as communicating with long-distance family and friends.

It has the potential to open up incredible career opportunities online.

We believe that social media has a lot of positive effects, but we also recognize that, like anything else, it has some negative ones. Keep reading to gather an idea on the same.

Disadvantages of Social Media

However, social media has caused addiction to users. Despite huge benefits, it has some unfavorable consequences.

Users of social media are becoming victims of fraudulent and online scams that seem to be genuine.

It opens up a possibility for hackers to commit fraud and launch virus attacks.

The productivity of people is getting hampered due to extreme usage and indulgence in these social media sites.

Harmful and disrespectful comments and reviews from employees about the company hamper its image tremendously. 

Students, too, are exceedingly active on social media sites these days, limiting them from outdoor activities. 

Students indulge in disputes because of these social media, and sometimes school has to resolve the conflicts.

Some sites are used to express personal anger or dispute, due to which a lot of chaos and confusion is created.

Investigate whether it is possible to cheat on tests.

As a result, students' grades and performance have suffered.

Users are more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats such as hacking, data theft, spamming, and other similar crimes due to a lack of privacy.

Social media has both benefits and drawbacks. Using it productively can be a tool of immense help, but over usage can become a silent enemy. Thus, we as users have to learn to balance and not control ourselves by this technology.

FAQs on Social Media Essay

Q1. What do you Understand by Social Media?

Social media is the communal interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities.

Q2. How has Social Media benefited Society?

Social media has incredibly benefited society. It has erased the age and class barrier. Social media sites target a wide audience. People can connect with each other from any corner of the world. Distance is no more a limitation. Teachers and students are connecting through social media tools. People find jobs, shop and share reviews and discuss with others. It is a comprehensive platform for people to showcase their talents and passion.

Q3. What are the disadvantages of Social Media?

The disadvantages of social media are that youth is getting hooked to it inappropriately. People are falling into prey to fraudulent and illegal activities. Too much indulgence in social media is hampering the productivity of people. 

Q4. How has Social Media brought a Change in Human’s Lives?

In earlier days, humans did not have too many means of communication. This was the reason why they did not socialize much. Even if they did, their socialization was narrowed to meeting their own relatives or friends in a close circle. People could not explore much about what was happening around the globe. The job seekers were restricted to finding jobs through someone or a newspaper. Now, technology has brought a revolution in the lives of people. Distance is no more a constraint for communication. People can communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world. The entire information about what is happening across the globe is available at the touch of our fingertips. Job seekers have not only widened their horizon of finding jobs but also given interviews on social media platforms. Social media has made the lives of people much simpler, easier, and faster.

Q5. In what ways does social media influence our lives?

The emergence of social media has had a considerable influence on people's lives. Using social media in one's everyday life allows one to communicate, interact, and be sociable while also learning about current events, creating a variety of meals, educating oneself, traveling to any place, and taking advantage of many other perks.

Q6. Which social networking sites are the most well-known?

There are several social media platforms where you may utilize Youtube Messenger. These include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Whatsapp, and Pinterest.

Q7. Does social media have a role in our overall well-being?

Social media sites have the following roles in our overall well-being.

Social media addiction may cause physical and psychological harm to the person using it excessively, including eye strain, social disengagement, and disturbed sleep.

If you spend too much time fighting and disagreeing, this might harm your health in the long run.

In terms of emotional relationships, social media may be a great way to meet new people and keep in contact with individuals you already know. Building relationships with others is beneficial.

Social media is a veritable informational treasure trove when it comes to staying healthy. This has several benefits. Doubtful information might be just as damaging as not thoroughly investigating it.

Social Networking - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Social networking has become an integral part of modern society, fostering connections among individuals and communities worldwide. Essays on this topic could explore the evolution of social networking platforms, the impacts on communication, and the effects on personal and societal levels. Discussions might include the benefits of networking for personal and professional growth, the role in promoting social causes, as well as the challenges posed by privacy concerns, misinformation, and cyberbullying. The discourse may also delve into the psychological impacts and the future of social networking in the digital age. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Social Networking you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

How Social Networking Changed the World

"Social networking has changed the world in a lot of ways, some people think it’s a great step in humanity’s social development. Social networking impacts the lives of many people in negative ways, from cyberterrorism recruiting a worldwide threat or social media, impacting our society’s self-image. Or privacy risks for anyone who has ever accessed the internet, and countless other things negatively impact our society. Social networking had changed the lives of this generation, think the difference between now and […]

Positive and Negative Effects of Social Networking Sites

Since the beginning of time, humans have been storytellers. Even when there was no written language, we found a way to pass on information about our culture from generation to generation. From books, newspapers, and magazines to radio, film, and television, industries have competed endlessly with one another to give a more personal message to their audience. Inevitably, these advances led to the creation of the internet, a place where you can instantaneously search for any story ever told. Now […]

Social Media Addiction Essay

As a part of our daily life, social media shows a significant impact on society and has become a strong way to stay updated. Nothing spreads information faster than social media, which helps many people keep informed about the world’s current affairs. It has changed the way the world interacts by presenting many useful tools, namely, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. These technological advances assist those who are socially isolated to feel more connected to society, such as socially anxious […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Misusage of Social Networking Sites Among Teenagers

Social networking is the common term given to multiple websites, that gives the users the possibility to create a personal or business profile, share ideas, feelings, and even send instant messages to anybody connected to that network. Since this technology was created it has been heavily used by teenagers, as the number of users increase, negative outcomes become more visible and are affecting users’ lives. To have a better understanding of this issue, it is important to analyze the incorrect […]

Social Networking. Affecting Mental Health

Communication among people has changed over the last few years. We now have Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and text messaging. But, this form of modern technology has not come without a price. Depression, internet addiction, and mental disorders have been associated with the use of social media. Some studies contradict these findings and have learned that social media can also have a positive effect on some individuals. Communication methods such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter have changed the way we interact […]

Dangers of Social Media and its Impact

What is the impact of pathological internet use on adolescents? Be honest with yourself, how many times have you checked your phone within the last hour? Have you ever felt as if you were missing out on social activities while looking at friend’s social media accounts, maybe just a bit envious? Although, not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Internet addiction has been recognized by the American Psychological Association as a growing concern (Gale). According, to […]

Technology for Social Networking – Lose or Gain

Introduction: Technology used to be a myth, an idea, something humankind has never dreamed of. Its creators were called crazy for their ideas. Technology was created to make mankind life easier. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of technology is “the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science”. Technology is everywhere. Now in […]

Social Networking Project: Indian Style

Not surprisingly, a lot of the most popular social networking sites in India are similar to those that we use in the United States; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, among others. However, the way that we use these websites versus the way that they are used in other nations shows obvious and interesting differences. Though we often use YouTube to view funny videos or watch our favorite YouTuber’s latest shenanigans, people across the world may use it for a whole […]

Positive Effects of Social Media

Abstract Social networking has rapidly grown around the globe, and it is one of the leading marketing tools for organizations and corporations around the world. It defines manifestations and activities discovered in these self-communicative websites such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc. These media help people to communicate and share their similar interest, share pictures, opinions, talents, and ideas for others to wonder about and comment on. This argumentative essay on positive effects of social media envisions to highlight the […]

A Systematic Review of Social Networking Research in Organizations

Interpersonal interaction applications, for example, online journals, moment emissaries, web recordings, long range informal communication sites like, Facebook, proficient systems administration sites (e.g., LinkedIn), Twitter, and virtual universes (e.g., Second Life) have turned out to be progressively famous over the most recent couple of years. Since these applications have considerable ramifications for clients, associations, and society, interpersonal organizations (SNs) have picked up consideration from data frameworks (IS) analysts and developed consistently as an exploration region. To sort out the amassed […]

Safe Social Networking

The department supports the safe use of social networks to improve communication, collaboration, exchange of information, and the effectiveness of investigations. This policy identifies potential departmental uses of social networks and establishes guidelines pertaining to personal web pages and social networks, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. These guidelines apply when referring to the Police Department, so as to not discredit or show disrespect towards the Department or the city; to restrict disclosure, either directly or indirectly, of […]

Social Media Pros and Cons

Today, social media is one of the greatest elements present in our lives. With the rapid growth of social media platforms, we can send or receive any kind of information and even talk with people all over the world just with the click of a button. Adults and youths alike join platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat (among others) for dialogue with friends and family and even to meet new people. Since the inception of these platforms, […]

Impact of Social Media and Facebook on Society

Ask almost anyone today if they have used Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and you will most likely get an affirmative answer. We in America have become very accustomed to having our phones in our pocket or tablet connected to the internet so we can see pictures and “posts” from friends or acquaintances. With the prevalence of this type of connectivity, one can become too caught up in a world that is not reality. Social networking can have both positive and […]

Working People in a Coffee Shop

In the present quick evolving economy, promoting has obtained another measurement. With quick jumps in the utilization of online networking from one viewpoint and an economy that is unsteady and testing on alternate, brands need to change in accordance with another scene and receive another system to be viable. The initial step is to glance around and acknowledge the current test and after that make advertising intends to develop the business. Here are a couple of difficulties organizations look as […]

Artificial Intelligence in our Daily Life: Intertwined Destinies

Mankind has made significant leaps to get where we are today. Since becoming civilized, we have looked for different ways to build, study, and spread knowledge. We can help a civilization flourish like never before if we apply our human intelligence with artificial intelligence. People have started to use AI more often, making their daily tasks easier. Due to AI, we have been able to advance our way of life and make new discoveries. Only some people know what AI […]

Wal-Mart and the Protection Chance for Interpersonal Communication

In a profoundly questionable move, your favorite social network has recently agreed to allow Wal-Mart access to the posts, messages, and photos of its users. Wal-Mart will also access user names and email addresses, violating the network's security policy. Wal-Mart plans to mine this data to learn more about what its customers want and to create targeted direct mailings and emails promoting those items. You are vehemently opposed to this change in the privacy policy, compelling you to send a […]

Scalable Software-Dened Networking

  The networking industry is expected to undergo significant transformation with the rise of emerging technologies such as Software Defined Networking (SDN). SDN overcomes the limitations of traditional networks such as complexity, inconsistent policies, and vendor dependency. It improves the management of large networks, offers greater flexibility, and enhances user experience. However, in reality the transition from the legacy network to an OpenFlow-enabled network does not happen overnight. Due to multi-dimensional challenges such as technical, financial and business challenges. Therefore, […]

Movie Network Analysis: how Much does Advertising Affect

In modern times it is impossible to go anywhere without there being a form of advertisement shown somewhere, even if you have no electronics yourself. However, where does one draw the line between what is all for “show” and what is actually considered real news? In the film,  “Network”, one can see the satirical argument being made is that human life is less than money, or in this case TV ratings. One of the most memorable parts of the film is […]

Understanding of an American Dream

Pursuing a STEM career is a wonderful and readily available way to be financially secure and well-rounded in this rapidly modernizing world. According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a shocking “9 million STEM jobs will be added to the U.S. economy between 2012 and 2022” (McKinnon). Jobs are not always easy to obtain, but the large availability of stem careers may put some at ease knowing they have a chance to survive in this […]

The Roots of Social Media

The roots of social media stretch way further than anyone realizes. Although it seems that social media is in the midst of expanding, it has continuously been improving for centuries. Social media creates a positive effect on our generation by making it easier to communicate, express, and advance ourselves. The first phone was invented in 1890. And by the 1980’s home computers were becoming very popular. In 1999 the first blogging sites have become popular and they are still popular […]

Additional Example Essays

• The Mysterious Nightmare of Goodman Brown
• Different Generations Millennials Vs. Generation Z
• 'The Cask of Amontillado' and 'The Tell-tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe
• Negative Impact of Process Philosophy
• Significance of Death In “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
• Social Media and the Movement of Ideas Summary
• Reasons Why I Want to Study Abroad
• Socioautobiography Choices and Experiences Growing up
• Comparison Of Introverts VS Extroverts
• Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling
• A Class Divided
• Gender Inequality in Education

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Essay on Social Media for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on social media.

Social media is a tool that is becoming quite popular these days because of its user-friendly features. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more are giving people a chance to connect with each other across distances. In other words, the whole world is at our fingertips all thanks to social media. The youth is especially one of the most dominant users of social media. All this makes you wonder that something so powerful and with such a massive reach cannot be all good. Like how there are always two sides to a coin, the same goes for social media. Subsequently, different people have different opinions on this debatable topic. So, in this essay on Social Media, we will see the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Advantages of Social Media

When we look at the positive aspect of social media, we find numerous advantages. The most important being a great device for education . All the information one requires is just a click away. Students can educate themselves on various topics using social media.

Moreover, live lectures are now possible because of social media. You can attend a lecture happening in America while sitting in India.

Furthermore, as more and more people are distancing themselves from newspapers, they are depending on social media for news. You are always updated on the latest happenings of the world through it. A person becomes more socially aware of the issues of the world.

In addition, it strengthens bonds with your loved ones. Distance is not a barrier anymore because of social media. For instance, you can easily communicate with your friends and relatives overseas.

Most importantly, it also provides a great platform for young budding artists to showcase their talent for free. You can get great opportunities for employment through social media too.

Another advantage definitely benefits companies who wish to promote their brands. Social media has become a hub for advertising and offers you great opportunities for connecting with the customer.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Social Media

Despite having such unique advantages, social media is considered to be one of the most harmful elements of society. If the use of social media is not monitored, it can lead to grave consequences.

Thus, the sharing on social media especially by children must be monitored at all times. Next up is the addition of social media which is quite common amongst the youth.

This addiction hampers with the academic performance of a student as they waste their time on social media instead of studying. Social media also creates communal rifts. Fake news is spread with the use of it, which poisons the mind of peace-loving citizens.

In short, surely social media has both advantages and disadvantages. But, it all depends on the user at the end. The youth must particularly create a balance between their academic performances, physical activities, and social media. Excess use of anything is harmful and the same thing applies to social media. Therefore, we must strive to live a satisfying life with the right balance.

FAQs on Social Media

Q.1 Is social media beneficial? If yes, then how?

A.1 Social media is quite beneficial. Social Media offers information, news, educational material, a platform for talented youth and brands.

Q.2 What is a disadvantage of Social Media?

A.2 Social media invades your privacy. It makes you addicted and causes health problems. It also results in cyberbullying and scams as well as communal hatred.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Social Networking

Aakanksha M.

Checked : T. M. H. , Vallary O.

Latest Update 19 Jan, 2024

Table of content

There are pros and cons of using social media

However, there are some disadvantages of using social networks.

Social networks have become the essential part of private and professional life of many people all over the world. Research shows that the most popular sites worldwide are Facebook with 2.38 billion monthly active users, You Tube (2 billion users),WhatsApp (1.6 billion users). Six-ranked photo-sharing app Instagram has 1 billion monthly active accounts. About 2 billion Internet users are using social networks and these figures are expected to grow. The majority of social networks with 100 mln. users originated in America.

One of the most obvious benefits of using social networks is that you can keep in touch with your friends easily, quickly and cheaply. Besides, it’s a good way of making new acquaintances, communicating with people from different countries, discussing various topics, sharing photos and videos. Apart from this, many people use combined profiles in social media for business and private networking. Also, social networks give a great opportunity for many companies to make a market research and to   develop new products   and services. Monitoring social media you get direct and fast access to your customers’ interests, opinions and problems. Social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent ways to communicate with customers. Some large international companies are working with project wikis, project blogs and have global virtual teams. They are already using file sharing, collaborative platforms for project teams. Social media are a platform for podcasts and webinars to show your customers how your product works. What is more, finding a job has become easier because employers update pages with the job descriptions and candidates can apply online.

One negative aspect lies in the fact that some teenagers spend so much time online. As a result of it , children suffer from the lack of live communication. They can become Internet addicts. Cyberbullying is a serious problem. According to statistics, about 37% of teenagers between the ages12 and 17 have been bullied online, most of them on the platform of Instagram. The people who experience cyberbullying are at a great risk for suicidal behavior.

Another problem is connected with hackers. They can get into our computers and use personal information for identity theft. We are worried by increasing cases of fraud. Scams are prevalent on popular social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. That is why it is highly recommended not to include your personal data such as your home address or phone number into your public profile. You should check and regularly update privacy settings on your social media accounts.

We Will Write an Essay for You Quickly

All in all, we cannot disagree with the fact that social networks made our lives much easier. However, I think that social media will never replace real-life communication. I am convinced that blended networking, the combination of on-line and offline networking, is the way forward.

I agree with the statement: “People should lift their heads from their computer and phone screens and start living life”.

Looking for a Skilled Essay Writer?

• University of Texas Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

No reviews yet, be the first to write your comment

Write your review

Thanks for review.

It will be published after moderation

Latest News

What happens in the brain when learning?

10 min read

20 Jan, 2024

How Relativism Promotes Pluralism and Tolerance

Everything you need to know about short-term memory

The Social Network

By david fincher.

• The Social Network Summary

Set in October 2003 on the campus of Harvard University, The Social Network opens with protagonist Mark Zuckerberg arguing with his girlfriend, Erica Albright , over beers. Erica accuses Mark, a Harvard sophomore, of being obsessed with the idea of which all-male final club (akin to a fraternity) he could get into. Mark tells her that he is ambitious, not obsessed, and says she should be more supportive because his acceptance into the club will mean she, a Boston University student, will meet people she wouldn't otherwise. Insulted, Erica tells him she is breaking up with him.

Mark returns to his dorm room and posts to his blog that Erica is a bitch with small breasts. He then hacks into the "face books," or online photo directories, of various on-campus organizations to collect photos of women. He writes code for a website called Facemash and posts the photos. Users are invited to rank which of two photographs is the "hotter" woman. His friend Eduardo gives him a chess player–ranking algorithm to score the women. After the site gets significant traffic, the administration shuts the site down. Mark goes to a disciplinary hearing and is unrepentant. He tells them he deserves recognition for pointing out flaws in their computer security.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and Divya Narendra read about Facemash in the Harvard Crimson newspaper. They invite Mark to build their dating website, TheHarvardConnection.com. Mark agrees, then goes to Eduardo with an idea for an exclusive social networking website.

At a deposition hearing in the future, a lawyer asks Mark about when he went to Eduardo. Eduardo explains that they split the company 70/30, and that Eduardo was made CFO of The Facebook. At another deposition, the Winklevoss twins and Divya are also suing Mark: they claim he stalled work on their website while simultaneously stealing the idea and creating Facebook. Mark is sulky and distracted in both depositions.

Back in 2004, The Facebook grows in popularity on campus. Eduardo meets Christy Ling, a woman who seems to be attracted to him because of his involvement in the website. Eduardo sees a cease and desist letter from the Winklevoss twins. Mark says they had an idea, but he had a better one. Eduardo is exasperated with Mark, who insists that he didn't steal their idea or code.

Mark and Eduardo expand the website to include other Ivy League schools. Sean Parker , founder of Napster, learns of the website when looking at the laptop of a Stanford student he has just slept with. While the Winklevoss twins go to the president of Harvard with their complaint against Mark, Mark and Eduardo seek investors and advertisers. They also meet with Sean, who wows Mark with his confidence. Sean tells them they have a billion-dollar idea and insists Mark move the company to Palo Alto to be close to Silicon Valley's tech giants.

In the summer, Mark rents a house in Palo Alto using $18,000 Eduardo provided for business expenses. Eduardo stays in New York to take an internship in business. Sean happens to be staying across the street from Mark. Sean disapproves of Eduardo looking for advertisers in New York and insists Mark was right to move. Mark is impressed that Sean is dating a Victoria's Secret model. He asks Sean to move in to the house, knowing he has nowhere to stay.

Eduardo arrives from New York soaking wet because Mark forgot to pick him up from the airport. He is upset to learn Sean is staying at the house rent-free and that he has been made president of the company, setting up meetings with investors. Eduardo returns to the east coast and freezes Facebook's bank account to punish Mark for leaving him out of decisions. Mark calls to get angry at Eduardo, but then he also shares the news that Peter Thiel , one of the PayPal founders, has invested half a million dollars in Facebook.

Eduardo flies to California to sign documents concerning his 34% share in the newly incorporated Facebook. He doesn't realize that he is agreeing to have his share diluted considerably. When he learns of his reduced ownership, he breaks Mark's laptop. Mark tells him he made a poor business decision while Eduardo insists Mark set him up. Security walks Eduardo out of the offices. Facebook then reaches one million users.

At a sorority party, Sean is caught by police doing cocaine with underage Facebook interns. He phones Mark from the police station and Mark is angry that Facebook's image will be tarnished in the newspapers. In the future, Mark sits alone at his laptop in the deposition boardroom after everyone else has left. His lawyer comes in and tells him he will just have to settle with the Winklevoss twins and Eduardo because it'll be easier than going before a jury.

She leaves the room and Mark goes to Erica Albright's Facebook page. He sends her a friend request and then continuously refreshes the page, waiting for her response. Text over the screen informs the audience that the Winklevoss twins were given a $65 million-dollar settlement, Eduardo settled for an undisclosed amount, Facebook has half a billion users, and Mark is the youngest billionaire in the world.

The Social Network Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Social Network is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Study Guide for The Social Network

The Social Network study guide contains a biography of director David Fincher, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Social Network
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for The Social Network

The Social Network essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Social Network, directed by David Fincher.

• Desiring Success Hinders Morals: Comparing 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz' and 'The Social Network'

Wikipedia Entries for The Social Network

• Introduction

The Film “The Social Network” Essay

Introduction, the social network and privacy, the social networks and authenticity, the social networks and intimacy, reference list.

The Social Network is a well thought out film that is interesting to watch. Watching the film leaves one convinced that it is a masterpiece work portraying the creativity of the artists. The film is a story about the results of friends who fall victims of their inner misgivings and how the decisions they make disturb them eventually. The onset of the film is Cambridge, where Mark Zuckerberg who is a student engages in a conversation with his girlfriend that leaves him angry and disappointed as he goes back to his room.

Zuckerberg is assisted by his friend Saverin in hacking into the servers of Harvard where he gets profile pictures belonging to two ladies and gives people a chance to rate the pictures. This activity enables Zuckerberg to attract attention and he eventually steals ideas of those coming up with a Harvard based social network to develop his own (Lind, 2010).

One of the most important characters in the film is Garfield who plays the role of Saverin, the only friend Zuckerberg had while in college. While in many ways Garfield represents Christensen, he proves that he has capabilities that are far beyond those of Christensen.

The close bond existing between the two, the selfish and selfless is one thing that is evident in the play and in real life. Zuckerberg is one person whose only focus is search for greatness, a quest that in several occasions leads him into self-aggrandizement. Zuckerberg goes on to capitalize on the good character of Saverin and we anticipate an outcome that is in the affirmative but with knowledge that the end might not be good. The story is basically a tale of how friendship begins.

Some technology executives continually argue that privacy in technology has died but the truth is that privacy still exists. People from all walks of life and of all ages are still sensitive with regard to privacy. They are concerned about privacy both in online and offline circumstances. However, privacy might have different definitions to different people. The basic idea behind the concept is the act of controlling the flow of information from one source to the other.

It has to do with the capacity to comprehend the social set up for appropriate code of conduct. For this to be possible, it is imperative for people to believe the interpretation they give of a context, inclusive of all those present in the place. When they seemingly think that they have been deprived of their anticipated control, they complain that privacy has been interfered with (Boyd, 2010).

The social Network which is an interesting film explains how Mark Zuckerberg and a couple of friends managed to launch face book. Watching the film for the first time, a number of people can be seen using their mobile phones to play. In the course of watching the film, the cell phones disappear and they are no longer part of the film. The most intriguing part of this movie is not the social repression of Zuckerberg or the legal cases attempting to control the use of face book.

The salient concern of the film is the rate at which Harvard students and students from other universities and the whole world become open to discuss their private lives. This gives rise to privacy issues when using face book because most of the information revealed is private. At some point in the life of the film, Edwardo has a girlfriend who becomes very nagging and uncomfortable because he is yet to update his relationship status (Smith, 2010).

Face book use is more than just the privacy issue because some users seem addicted to the site. In one episode of the film, Justin Timberlake reveals to his girlfriend that he spends more than six hours on face book which is definitely addictive. This is a big contrast because not many people would spend such long hours in an opera house. In a way, social networking has compelled many people to divulge their most secret issues in life.

Information that could previously be made known to just a few close friends is now made available on the internet. The film Social Network reveals the urge of people to share their personal information on social sites. However, it is important for all users of social media to be sensitive when sharing the information and the importance of controlling issues related to privacy of social networking (Nippert-Eng, 2010).

The authenticity of the film The Social Network which basically talks about how Mark Zuckerberg ascended from being a student to a billionaire has its facts questionable. The film to some extent goes out of reality with its screen writer and director seemingly dramatizing serious events, instead depicting the film as being enthusiastic like the Hollywood ones. It is advisable to liven some of the scenes in the film that might seem boring but the attempts of its producers to achieve this goal causes the film to go beyond the limits of its authenticity.

It engages in a search for some of the obvious reasons that inspired Zuckerberg to come up with face book. It is accepted that the obvious reason behind the introduction of face book was to come up with one of the largest social networks. However, this film turns the brilliant efforts of Zuckerberg to an endeavor of looking for recognition by some final clubs or Sean Parker who is lauded for inventing Rock star Napster.

The film seems to be attempting with little success to assimilate real life happenings into an ancient tale. Essentially, it is not possible to be seated at the cinema holding a notepad then anticipate getting to the bottom of the reasons behind the creation of face book. From most of the information provided by Zuckerberg detailing how relationships are established and destroyed all revolving around the ever biggest social network to exist, it is possible to get wind of the basic events about face book. But most of the elements of the film drift from reality and get into the world of fiction.

The areas where the film is lacking in authenticity it compensates with style. The dialogue involving Sorkin is a brave way to bar the daring one-liners. His excellent dialogue coupled with the meticulous camera work of the film assist in framing the story to resemble fiery dramas that are witnessed in court rooms. The story of how face book came into existence is more than a fictional story. The ills that accompany social networking are not explicit and should not be expected to be noticed that easily. This is a study of characters and themes that cannot be restricted to a particular period of time. Putting aside our expectations of utmost authenticity, the story of social networks remains an interesting topic in this film.

The concept of social networking and its strength of influence existed way before face book was introduced. Psychologists through numerous studies have argued that being involved in huge social networks is crucial in improving emotional and physical functioning. They say that many reasons can be attributed to why social networks improve health.

In this film, there is a general lack in intimacy and true friendship among the participants in the film who represent true human beings. The characters have a sense of narcissism which though entertaining, makes one think of who a true friend really is. The minds behind face book did not have many real friends and those who had friends ended up in disagreements. For example, some people experiment with face book to get the inner thoughts of a suicidal patient. In such a scenario, old friends would call and express their sorrow and generally share in the plight.

This whole idea is all problematic because out there, there are not many real friends hence sharing of crucial things on face book poses its own challenges. Face book is ideally a better avenue for law enforcement or shame as opposed to a tool for sharing. Users post on face book when what they are posting is of little importance like going to take a bath. Young children have thousands of friends on face book but ironically they have never spoken to the friends neither do they know them.

The word friend should have a more serious attachment than just clicking on the computer. This can be better explained by analyzing what a real friend can do. Friends can be with you when you are ill, they can pick you up when you are stranded somewhere and they can also lend you money when in need. A click on the computer will do none of these things that are real friend can do. The term friend should have a sacred meaning attached to its use. Friendship should symbolize the need for being together and the real nature of human beings (Nassbaum, 2007)

Additionally, the mind of a human being is naturally driven towards connection and that the bond that is developed has a certain degree of privacy. Face book negates this truth yet its users are fascinated about what their friends are involved in doing. It becomes an issue of concern when close friends are not on face book because it is assumed that it is not possible to have knowledge of what they are involved in.

Boyd, D. (2010). Making Sense of Privacy and Publicity . Web.

Lind, D. (2010). Mark Zuckerberg’s Silver-Spoon Vanguardism. Web.

Nassbaum, E. (2007). Kids, the Internet and End of Privacy. Weekend australian Magazine , p. 5.

Nippert-Eng. (2010). Islands of Privacy. London : University of Chicago Press.

Smith, Z. (2010). Generation Why? . Web.

• Zuckerberg in Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal
• Contemporary Understanding of Intimacy and Friendship
• “The Social Network” Film Scenes Analysis
• "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" Film Cinematography
• Luke's Adventures in "Star Wars" Film by George Lucas
• “How to Train Your Dragon” Fantasy Film Production
• “My Sassy Girl” Film by Kwak Jae-Yong
• “Meet Joe Black” Film by Martin Brest
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, February 16). The Film "The Social Network". https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-the-social-network/

"The Film "The Social Network"." IvyPanda , 16 Feb. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-the-social-network/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Film "The Social Network"'. 16 February.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Film "The Social Network"." February 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-the-social-network/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Film "The Social Network"." February 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-the-social-network/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Film "The Social Network"." February 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-film-the-social-network/.