The Impact of Social Networks on Modern Society

When referring to social networks, many mention the issue of globalization, however this has been quite evident for many years. What happens is that in the past people did not have as much access to the internet as they do today. Nowadays, in a matter of seconds, we find out about things that are happening on the other side of the world in real time.

Certainly, networks can be very useful in many people’s lives, as in addition to being a very quick way to communicate, they also receive news, meet people, and can even serve as a source of income.

But unfortunately, not everything is about positive points regarding social networks. On the other hand, among the negative points we can mention the lack of privacy, and certainly, social isolation. The latter makes some people only able to relate to others virtually.

Several surveys already indicate that more and more individuals stop going out to spend hours online, either playing games or interacting on social networks. This can have several serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

As you can see, this is a very important subject. Therefore, in today’s post I bring you a complete material on the impact of social networks. Follow!

The consequences of social media addiction

When referring to the consequences of addiction, it is mainly about young people. Both specialists, psychologists and psychiatrists warn against the use of networks that can become highly addictive and their consequences. These can be the same as any other addiction: lack of self-control, isolation, distancing from real life, addiction, anxiety, irritability, among others.

The networks already have almost 5 billion active users at the moment, however, specialists say that only a small percentage really show a dependence, and in their majority they are teenagers and young people. Unfortunately for these people, in most cases they try to fill their gaps with the famous likes.

The impact of Social networks on modern society (Google Source)

The impact of social media on mental health

There is no doubt that these platforms have become a means of communicating, relating and sharing information. However, in recent times it has been quite associated with various mental health problems.

One of the main problems related to networks is certainly social comparison. This occurs when we compare our lives to the achievements and appearances of others. Studies have shown that when this happens frequently, it can lead to feelings of envy, anxiety, depression, and even inadequacy.

Likewise, overuse is associated with a higher risk of low self-esteem, loneliness, and social isolation.

It is also worth noting that people who already have mental health problems, such as eating disorders, can be exposed to images and content that promote unattainable and unrealistic standards of beauty. Doing so, making your condition worse even more.

Fake news: how social networks influence the dissemination of false information

The dreaded fake news! Thousands of them circulate daily both on computers and cell phones, and a large part of them is disseminated on networks. And that’s largely because people are relying much more on the internet for information than ever before.

Incredible as it may seem, many people even use WhatsApp as a source of information, and end up believing everything that comes to them, without even proving its veracity. But does not stop there! In the same way that they believe everything that arrives on their cell phone, they end up sharing it with other people.

In case you don’t know, the main purpose of this false information is to deceive and induce others to believe falsehood, or even doubt verifiable facts. In many cases, fake news is manufactured for political purposes, using social media and blogs as an easy and very practical means of propagation, quite accessible to all.

The impact of social networks on modern society (Google Source)

The role of social media in shaping public opinion

Nowadays, we can say that networks basically work as a thermometer that indicates public opinion on a given subject. Many technology specialists even warn about the role of networks in shaping public opinion.

Much is also said about the interference of the media in people’s daily lives and the excessive pursuit of profits by companies. We can also see how traditional newspapers, committed to the truth, are being increasingly replaced by these highly manipulative media. These create information in a more informal tone, but which is basically loaded with an opinion.

Online privacy: the risks and precautions to be taken

Among the main risks, we can mention:

• Improper access to personal data;
• Loss of personal data;
• Insecure data storage;
• Non-transparent policies, agreements, terms and conditions;
• Collection of unnecessary data for the purpose agreed by the user.;

To prevent this from happening, you need to be careful:

• Browse anonymously;
• Review your privacy settings on social networks;
• Always use strong passwords;
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks;
• Be extra careful with online shopping;
• Always keep your software up to date;
• Use antivirus for your internet privacy;
• Evaluate app permissions;
• Take care with the microphone and webcam.

Without a doubt, the internet is one of the great achievements of today, however, it is necessary to know how to use it consciously in order not to be harmed. Always remember this!