Nowadays, it is common to hear about the benefits of social media, as well as the arguments against social media. Some would note that social media influences the importance of physical interaction and learning, driving people apart due to the lack of feeling and emotion while socializing online. There are even cases wherein long relationships have drifted apart due to social media, and worst, even found themselves being cheated upon by their lover. However, despite all of these comments as to how social media destroys relationships, it is undeniable that social media is actually bringing people closer, transcending boundaries of both distance and time as people now have a medium to keep in touch, connect with people, and present additional benefits that is also received in regular socialization and relationships.
Many experts, groups and even individuals would agree that social media has revolutionized the way people socialize, communicate and interact with people in all walks of life. Social media’s immediate impact could be seen in individuals as they could use social media to keep in touch with their love ones and friends, and keep up with the latest information, gossip or events across the globe or in their region.
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Notably, social media is now considered the new form of communication as people would no longer need to send snail mail and wait days for a reply. Social media platforms such as Skype, Facebook, and e-mail clients such as Gmail now provide means for people to interact with each other in real-time. Social media is also seen by many individuals as a means to socialize with others through games, or in basic networking, making the process more fun and enjoyable. This new means of socialization could be seen in social networking sites such as Facebook as people could invite more people or acquaintances into their own network and share information and communicate in real-time. Some people even use these networking sites and platforms as a means to connect with strangers who may have same interests or same networks as they do, allowing them to become closer to new sets of people from different countries. For the younger generation, they see social media not just a means to communicate with peers and family, but also a means to create social connections with others, building their relationships and personalities at the same time. It would be easier to create information sharing between friends and family without the fear of embarrassment and restraint. Ideas could be shared with one another through social media, and also expands one’s horizons over the people they meet online and create respect to people of different race and status .
Celebrities and politicians also turn to social media to mingle and be closer to their fans and supporters, sometimes even use social media as a means to call for support and assistance. While using social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, celebrities and politicians could not only update and communicate with their love ones and friends but also reach out to their fans about their daily life, campaigns or projects. Fans worldwide can even use these social media sites to say hi to their idols and be familiar to another side of these people which is not seen on television. Several celebrities had made their mark in social media such as Oprah and Martha Stewart as they use Twitter to update their followers of their latest guests, issues for discussion, and even their favorite places to go and hang out. In some cases, celebrities would also use social media to call for their fans to support charitable institutions. In the case of politicians, aside from updating their followers regarding their lives, projects, and programs, they also see social media as a means to bring their ideals closer to the public and reach to a more wider demographic. In the 2008 Presidential Elections, for example, both President Barack Obama and Senator John McCain utilized social media to advertise their sorties, debates, and even campaigns to Americans around the globe. Social media also became their platform in acquiring information from their supporters as to common issues, and what their supporters wish to see in their campaigns or projects .
When it comes to companies and recruitment agencies, social media enables them to become closer to job applicants as these applicants would no longer need to go personally to offices to check their job openings and apply. Through social media, companies and recruitment agencies could reach all types of employees in any level and demographic. They can easily discern the profile of applicants through their uploaded resumes in job search sites or in websites such as LinkedIn, and at the same time, build employment pools for possible job openings in the future. HR departments also see social media as a means to reach passive applicants or those people who is noted to have a talent and yet, cannot easily be located due to the influx of applications. In some companies such as Ernst & Young, Google, and the CIA, they utilize Facebook and YouTube to reach these types of applicants and explain through video what they need for the company . Aside from this, companies would also find it easier and efficient to utilize social media in hiring as they can open up jobs that would present no limitations to applicants, drawing them closer to the company. Both employees and employers could also utilize social media to create contacts and recommendations that could be beneficial for the company’s future .
Schools and businesses also see social media as an excellent medium to bring people closer to them. In terms of schools, social media now becomes a platform to enable students and teachers to maintain communication lines to each other, as well as create more mediums of learning. Students could utilize social media to maintain communication to the school for employment options, alumni newsletters, and even a means to continue education with the school. In terms of educators, they can use social media as a means to reconnect with past and present students, as well as create a unique network of colleagues and students that could be useful for the future . Finally, for businesses, social media enables them to reach out to more audiences and customers, as well as reaching out to fellow entrepreneurs and companies. Since social media can transcend location and communication restrictions, businesses could carry out their shops and support their clients online .
Without social media, it is likely that people would still find it difficult to socialize with their friends and relatives abroad due to the slow communication mediums available. It would also be difficult to keep them updated with the latest events and news as people would need to wait longer periods to receive a message. Some would even find it very difficult to mingle with other nationalities and races if there wasn’t an available medium to create such channels for communication. Celebrities, politicians, businesses and companies would also find it difficult to reach out to the public and create closer ties with them, especially in times of crisis and need or for new opportunities. With these sentiments in mind, it is undeniable that social media has changed how people connect and come closer to people all across the globe. Social media has redefined closeness in an extent there is no limit to meeting and interacting with others.
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