Social Media – Paragraph Writing

Social Media – Paragraph Writing

Points : [ Introduction – first appearance – different types of social media – advantages and disadvantages – conclusion. ]

SOCIAL MEDIA

It is the human impulse to communicate with others that has been the root of all forms of human expression ever since the dawn of civilisation. The advent and evolution of social media is also an outcome of man’s urge to establish and nurture personal connections with the help of digital technology.

Internet came into being in the early 1980’s and in 1997, the first true social media site named ‘Six Degrees’ was launched in USA. According to the definition given by Merriam-Webster, Inc., an American company, social media is “forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and micro blogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos).” In general, there are 13 types of social media-(i) blogs, (ii) business networks, (iii) collaborative projects, (iv) enterprise social networking, (v) forums, (vi) microblogs, (vii) photo sharing, (viii) products/services review (ix) social bookmarking (x) social gaming, (xi) social networks, (xii) video sharing and (xiii) virtual worlds.

It will not be an overstatement to say that we are now witnessing a social media era. The number of people using social media for various reasons is increasing in leaps and bounds. Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter-these are some of the most popular social media platforms, which have become an all-important part of today’s life, especially among the young people. Today social media serves multiple purpose. All the information we need is just a click away. It is a great platform for education. Social media helps us to stay connected, attend online classes, seminars etc, showcase our talents, access the opportunities for employment, promote brands etc. Social media is the most effective and powerful medium to spread any kind of propaganda, message, idea etc. The advantages of social media can became glaring disadvantages when misused. Intrusion of privacy, cyber-bullying, deteriorated productivity, etc are some of its major disadvantages. Wrong or malicious propaganda through social media can lead to far-reaching consequences. Addiction to social media is also very harmful for anybody which may result in all kinds of mental and practical problems.

Social media, like all other things, has its pluses and minuses. But while using social media it is we, who are in the driving seat. If we use it properly then social media is surely one heck of a ride.