In 2019, they estimate that there will be 2.77 billion social media users worldwide. And with a number like that, there’s no question that social media has a major impact on society today.
But most of the attention focuses on the negative side of it. It’s gotten a bad rap when, in fact, there are two sides to every story.
People rarely see that social media has made positive impacts. It’s actually doing a lot of good!
What good is it doing? Read on to find out 7 positive ways social media affects us.
1. It Helps People Stay Connected
Life has a way of taking each of us on our own paths. Friends head off to school, family moves away. And the distance can be tough to bridge.
But the use of social media has now given us a way to bridge that gap. Keeping people connected to each other’s lives in a way we’ve never had before.
By following our loved ones on social media, we can instantly see photos, read news and updates, and keep a deep connection to what is happening in their daily lives. And we can share the same with them. It’s a feeling of almost being there even though you may be thousands of miles away.
When you miss your friends and family, having a way to keep them close can mean so much.
2. It’s a Powerful Marketing Tool for Businesses
Since the rise of social media, businesses have realized there was a new way of reaching their target market. Instead of using the usual methods of advertising such as ads and mailers, social media now allows them to connect with their customers on a direct and personal level.
It provides a fast way of communicating and has become the primary way of spreading the word about their business. Plus, it’s cheaper than the traditional ways of advertising. Meaning they can advertise more than ever before.
What may be even more beneficial is it reaches all demographics and ages. Giving a two-way form of active communication. Companies can get real-time feedback and promote better customer service.
And a company can express their brand personality through social media. By using different platforms, they can make personal connections with their customers through the use of videos, memes, photography, and influencers.
3. It Speeds up Communication
Gone are the days of spreading your good news to friends and family one text message at a time. You no longer have to wait for the evening news to get your updates. Communication with large groups of people has become speedy thanks to the effects of social media.
Chances are your social media network checks their accounts many times a day. And with a simple click, you can post a message to your profile and update everyone at the same time. No need to waste time sending out individual messages.
Businesses and the media can do the same thing. When a news story breaks or a sales promotion is ready, all they have to do is post to social media.
It’s easy, it’s fast, and it takes communication up to a whole new level.
4. It Opens up the World to People
It’s easy to get stuck in our own little bubbles. Our own little spaces in this world. But with the use of social media, meeting new people and learning new things from across the globe is right at our fingertips.
You can now connect with anyone and make new friends no matter what country they are in. You have opportunities to learn about new cultures and ways of living you may not have had access to before.
The effects of social media have helped make this world a smaller place for us all.
5. It Helps People Find Jobs
Social media platforms such as LinkedIn has given job seekers and professionals new ways to network and market their skills. Enabling them to build their careers like never before.
By having an online professional profile, you can market yourself to employers and hiring managers from all over the world. In fact, over 70 percent of employers use social media to screen potential employees. Making it an invaluable tool in the hiring process.
Plus, you can connect to professional groups and networking events from your industry. Opening up your business connections, giving you a new way to learn and keep up-to-date on what is happening in your field.
6. It Helps You Connect to the Community and Causes
Social media has given people a platform to connect with other individuals who all support the same views or causes. And it gives them a voice.
Whether it be political, environmental, social, or ethical, social media gives your views more visibility. Groups can create publications, memes, and any other ways of catching the attention of the public to get their message across.
And, visibility creates more awareness. You can learn more about inequality, political candidates, local social issues, and any number of causes out there that you may not have had access to before.
7. It Provides a Support Group
Finding a community can also combat depression and mental health issues. When you need someone to talk to, there are always groups on social media that are there to help.
Most support facilities have profiles on social media. It makes it easy for people to find them and reach out for help in an autonomous way. And that can make it more comfortable to express their thoughts and feelings.
Plus, it helps relieve social isolation. By being able to make new friends and chat with like-minded communities through social media, it helps people not to feel so alone. And that by itself can make a world of difference to someone who needs a friend.
You Can’t Ignore the Positive Impact of Social Media
It’s easy to focus on the negative. But when you open your eyes and see the positive impact of social media on today’s society, you can then start to see it in a whole new light.
And since social media has become such a huge part of our everyday lives, are you curious to find out where it’s heading? Check out this guide on the evolution of social media and where it’s heading next!
