The introduction of social media has changed the world in many ways. It affects each individual in different ways. Today, it can be used as a very helpful tool in changing a person’s life, but at the same time cause such conflicts which can negatively impact a person. While there are some negatives associated with social media, the positives in communication all around, has made the world stronger and a better place to live in.
I interviewed Alassan Kah on his thoughts about the effect of social media in our lives. Personally, Alassan isn't very active on social media due to the fact that he's busy with everything going on in his life. Either way, I had asked him how social media has an impact on him. "It has a huge impact in my life." Alassan said. "I get to see what's going on around the world. For instance, I appreciate art a lot so most of the time I spend on my socials is to see what's new, creative, something that I can also be part of that falls in this criteria (art)."
Alassan also mentioned that one of his favorite social media personels is Edger Esteves-a film maker and the owner of black square production. He is admired by Alassan because he's not afraid to try new things (switch lanes) when working on a project; which is incredible because not everyone out there can do that. This is one of the things Alassan pay attention to in his work.
However, different people get different feedback from the use of social media. Sometimes, it's good to take a break from social media espeically when you're unhappy in a way or dealing with anxiety because in one way or another, it might trigger you on doing something you'll regret. Some people do stay off the socials when they feel like they're being attacked or harassed by others.
On the other hand, a fascinating study by New York Times Consumer Insight Group revealed the motivations that participants cited for sharing information on social media. These include a desire to reveal valuable and entertaining content to others; to define themselves; to grow and nourish relationships and to get the word out about brands and causes they like or support.
As much as most of us tend to use social media positively, there are a few bitter people online who promote social ills such as cyberbullying and identity theft. In cases like these, one has to be ensure he/she keeps personal information private, set strict privacy settings, know your friends/connections, always log out of your social accounts after use from a public computer, use strong passwords and an internet security software suite.
One of the effects of social media is encouraging people to form and cherish artificial bonds over actual relationships. The term ‘friend’ as used on social media lacks the intimacy identified with conventional friendships, where people actually know each other, want to talk to each other, have an intimate bond and frequently interact face to face. Some people have over 1000 friends on Facebook but have probably never met 10 of them in person to form an actual relationship.
As for the future of social media, the data doesn’t lie; we’re all becoming addicted to our digital identities and social media usage. As the percentage of young people using social media rates the highest, it’s key to analyzing how they are using social media as that will define the future of content creation and consumption. "Social media will grow even more powerful than it is now, and even though I still think the cons will out weight the pros, there will still be a way that the people using it to educate themselves or to even empower others will still have a higher success rate than presently." Said Alassan Kah.