Social Media
Today, social media is all around us and can be used in many ways, whether to connect with friends and family or follow the news and popular culture. Many businesses now advertise on social media platforms, and government agencies use them to share important updates and alerts. If you’re active on social media, it is important to remember that once something is posted, it is not always easily removed, and even if you do remove something, copies may remain. As with most things in life, there are both positives and negatives of social media. The key is to use it responsibly.
Pros and Cons
Overall, social media posts have led to job offers being rescinded, criminal investigations being started and child custody battles being lost. So, while responsible and appropriate use can have benefits, it’s important to avoid potential negative consequences, which can be serious and lasting. A key thing to keep in mind is that, once content is posted, you cannot take it back. Thus, when using social media, it’s important to be judicious and consider the impact of a post, comment or other engagement not just in the moment, but long term.
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Social media spreads information rapidly. |
Not all information on social media is reliable. |
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Social media offers an outlet to express yourself. |
Not all people will like what you have to say, and, in some cases, negative comments may trigger stress, anxiety and depression. |
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Social media lets you join and connect to groups with similar interest and hobbies. |
Social media can deter you from other important tasks or cause you to lose focus on daily life and track of time. |
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Social media can expand your professional network and expand your business relations. |
Potential employers, associates and admissions committees may judge you based on your social media content. |
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Social media offers the opportunity to engage in face-to-face and virtual interaction. |
Social media can lead to social isolation, and excessive use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and reduce time outdoors. |
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Social media can help you make new connections and explore new locations and events. |
Social media can lead to an invasion of privacy and virtual hacking. |
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Social media may empower individuals and lead to positive personal and community changes. |
Social media can lead to cyberbullying and cyberstalking. |
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Social media lets you quickly share content and help you build an audience. |
Content can easily go viral. |
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Positive examples of social media use:
- Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Halsey and The Weekend were discovered due to their social media uploads.
- In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral and helped raise national awareness and funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic social media allowed friends and families to remain close and participate in events remotely, such as birthday parties and graduation ceremonies.
- Social media has helped people reunite with relatives and pets, find organ donors and solve crimes.
Negative examples of social media use:
- In 2020, a college football recruit lost his scholarship and acceptance due to a racial slur posted on Snapchat.
- In 2019, a university admission offer was rescinded after racist and derogatory Facebook posts from previous years were found on the applicant’s social media platforms.
- In 2013, a public relations executive posted a racist and insensitive tweet before boarding an 11-hour flight. While on the flight the tweet went viral, and the executive was fired shortly after landing even after attempting to delete the tweet.
- In 2015, a day-care center employee posted on Facebook how much she hated her job. The post spread in her community, eventually making its way to her employer, who then fired her.
- In 2020, a police officer was fired after posting a picture on Instagram with the caption “Let’s start a riot.”