0Many people believe that social networking sites have had a huge negative effect on both individuals and society. To what extent do you agree with this?
Social networking websites have undoubtedly changed the way people communicate in this modern era. Adults and children alike spend hours on the social media meeting people from around the world. It has been suggested that these outlets of communication have a detrimental effect on individuals and society as a whole. In my opinion, although these online platforms have revolutionized the concept of human communication,certain negative effects of these on users and society cannot be ignored.
To begin with, easy access to the internet at the workplace has made it possible for employees to visit the social networking sites at regular intervals. They steal time to catch up with their friends or update their status forcing their work responsibilities to take a backseat. These virtual distractions often interfere with their productivity and dedication towards their employment. It is not surprising that several organizations have already put in place a social networking policy for their employees during work hours. Further, the long exposures to these online platforms can also have a negative impact on their health. Constant exposure to computer screens not only promotes a sedentary lifestyle but might affect their eyesight too.
One major negative impact of the social media on society at large is the fall in communication among its members. People would rather spend their free time striking up relationships with individuals in faraway locations sharing information about their interests and opinions. Being hooked to the world of online communication, many hardly step out of their homes and interact with those who live nearby. As a result, many societies have become fragmented or isolated to a huge extent. It is for certain that human relations will be less strong if this trend continues.
To summarise,the social media will continue to play an important role in our lives. It is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that its use will not make the bonds between him and the community he lives in less strong.
