Social Dilemma

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Social Media.

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Have you ever thought about how much time you spend on your social media every day? According to research from GWI (formerly GlobalWebIndex), the average internet user spends almost two-and-a-half hours each day using social media platforms. This means that social media accounts for about 35.8% of our daily online activities, meaning that more than one in three internet minutes can be attributed to social media platforms. Out of these platforms, TikTok has the highest average time per user, but YouTube accounts for the greatest overall share of total social media time.

Social media has transformed the way we interact, communicate and even perceive the world. Since the popularisation and proliferation of online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. They shape our personal relationships, expand our professional networks and influence broader societal trends. But as with any powerful tool, social media comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Let us now look at both sides of the coin, exploring the good, the bad and the ugly of social media.

THE GOOD

• Connecting People

One of the most significant benefits of social media is its ability to connect people across the globe. Most of us use social media to talk to friends and family, join in group conversations, or even meet new people. Indeed, social media have brought people closer together. Friends and family can stay in touch regardless of geographical barriers, making it easier to maintain relationships. Social media platforms allow us to make real-time communication through instant messaging, and voice and video calls, as well as share our daily lives with our loved ones through the uploading of photographs and videos.

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