Social Media: A curse or a Boon

 “Social media is a computer based technology that allows interactive communication through communication medium like internet”. Social media can have both negative and positive impacts on everyone especially on teens. It’s very easy to become addicted and somehow research shows that the students spending too much time on social media can suffer from poor sleep, eye fatigue, depression, anxiety, slow learning and facilitates laziness. Many people wake up in the morning and check their Instagram, Facebook or twitter account. They develop a kind of addiction of social media. This may sometimes result in mood swings, stress and can effect mental health also and ultimately affecting daily life. Students are affected both academically and mentally. They waste their important time on chatting, communicating instead of reading books. Not only negatively but positively also social media provides benefits to an individual as there are many advantages like connectivity, education , updates, awareness, sharing anything with others , helps in building community. Social media makes it easier than ever before for strangers around the world to connect with each other through online platforms. You have the chance to talk about what you know and what you want, you can increase your visibility. Social media allows us to share our knowledge and be updated with our area of interest. There are several applications which can serve the purpose. Students and job seekers can get updated information about upcoming exams and job vacancies. Several discussion forum and job portals helps students to discuss about courses, jobs, study material etc. This enable them to get an edge over others in the competitive market. So one cannot neglect social media completely. Despite all the positive aspects of social media, there are still an abundance of risk factors like exploitation and harassment, all these negatives make social media a dangerous place for children under 13. Social media addictions are more likely to develop other addictions. Social media has undoubtedly made life easier for people, but it has also isolated many of us. Above social issues act as a barrier to the progress of society so we must all come together to fight against them and make the power of social media to be use in a positive manner. If people take charge of their behaviour, they can overcome their addiction to social media. The youth must develop a balance between social media, physical activities and their academic performances. So we need to analyse and make a balance between all the aspects of life whether it is virtual or real world. Social media addiction can be treated by deleting unwanted applications and turning off social media notifications. You are less likely to spend time on social media if you don't always see an icon or alert on your phone. Set some boundaries and adhere to them. So I can say that we need to use social media for our benefit and don’t be a slave to it.

https://www.jimsgn.org/

 Gagan Gupta Assistant 

Professor CSE Dept.